Patient Confidentiality and Data Protection
Your medical records are held on computer and the practice is registered under the Data Protection Act. Access to medical records is available subject to legal limitations. You can request access to your medical record (there is a minimum charge of £10.00 in some circumstances). We ask you for personal information so that you can receive appropriate care and treatment. However, for the effective functioning of a multi-disciplinary team it is sometimes necessary that medical information about you is shared between members of the practice team.
Medical Records and Freedom Of Information
A notice fully explaining the use of patient information can be seen on the notice board in the waiting area. Steps are taken to ensure information for research or statistics does not identify patients.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000, obliges the practice to produce a Publication Scheme. A Publication Scheme is a guide to the ‘classes’ of information the practice intends to routinely make available.
This scheme is available from reception.
Carers
The practice has a policy of identifying carers in the community and will endeavour to provide information and support to those categorised as such and undertake onward referral to Social Services where necessary.
Confidentiality and CQC
The Practice complies with the Data Protection Act and Caldicott principles. All staff are obliged to adhere to Confidentiality Agreements
The Care Quality Commission ( CQC) inspects Practices & are by law allowed to access patient information without prior patient consent. The Practice is obliged to share your medical and personal information with the CQC. If you have further questions about this please contact the Practice.