Confidentiality
All of our consultations, at the practice are confidential, even if a parent doesn’t accompany you. This means that we will not discuss the reason of your visit to the surgery with anyone else, including other members of your family unless you specifically give us permission to do so.
Each member of staff, temporary or permanent, signs a Contract of Confidentiality, proven breach of which would result in instant dismissal. Confidentiality continues even after their employment has ended.
In order to preserve your right of confidentiality we will not disclose dates and times of appointments or test results to anyone other than the patient.
As our reception is little public, if you wish to discuss something of a confidential nature please mention it to one of our receptionists who will make arrangements for you to have necessary privacy.
Information Sharing
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 to get other services e.g. from the social work department. This requires your consent.
- When we have duty to others e.g. child protection, safeguarding children or vulnerable adults.
- Anonymised patient information will also be used at local and National level to help with the Health Board and Government Plan services e.g. diabetic care. If you do not wish anonymous information be used this way please let us know.
Reception staff and administration require access to your Medical records in order to do their jobs. They are bound by confidentiality clause, as above same as the Medical staff.
Access to Medical records
Under the Access to Health records Act (1999) patients are allowed to view their Medical records. copies of such records can also be requested, in writing, for which we make a charge. We hold patient information on computer and comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act. Your information may be stored on paper or electronically on computer files by practice staff.
We sometimes disclose some of your health information with other organisations for e.g. referral to hospital. cervical, breast, bowel screening programmes, your name, address, DOB, and NHS number will be given to them. We are sometimes involved in health research and teaching of students -junior doctors, we will not disclose your information to these people without your prior consent.
Sometimes we are required by law to pass on information e.g. the notifications of births and deaths, certain diseases or crimes to the Government is a legal requirement.
Freedom of Information
Information about General practitioners and the practice required for disclosure under this act can be made available to the public. All requests for such information should be made to the assistant Practice Manager.