In order to provide care for you we keep records. This is increasingly done using computers. We are obliged to comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and other guidance on privacy and data confidentiality and we take this very seriously.
In order to ensure patients receive appropriate secondary care, to manage services and improve the quality of care we provide we share necessary individual information and some information on practice activity e.g. with clinical commissioning groups (CCGs and associated community services, hospital trusts, etc). Whenever possible this information is minimised and anonymised i.e. names and other identifying details are removed. We are obliged by law to provide certain information e.g. notification of infectious diseases.
The practice complies with data protection and access to medical records legislation. Identifiable information about you will be shared with others in the following circumstances:
- To provide further medical treatment for you e.g. from district nurses and hospital services.
- To help you get other services e.g. from the social work department. This requires your consent.
- When we have a duty to others e.g. in child protection cases anonymised patient information will also be used at local and national level to help the Health Board and Government plan services e.g. for diabetic care.
If you do not wish anonymous information about you to be used in such a way, please let us know.
Reception and administration staff require access to your medical records in order to do their jobs. These members of staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the medical staff.
If you have any questions or wish to know more, please contact the Practice Manager.