GPs and the practice staff are bound by strict rules to protect and maintain the confidentiality of personal and clinical information about their patients. This means that we are unable to give out information about a patient without his/her consent. Please respect this code when enquiring about relatives.
Medical information may be shared with other health care professionals to ensure coordination and continuity of care. All personnel who may manage your care are bound by strict confidentiality procedures.
Your medical records are held mainly on computer, and we are registered under the Data Protection Act for this. Some information is still retained in paper files. All personal and clinical information about you is treated confidentially and held securely and appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent accidental loss. Certain anonymised data is used for clinical audit.
In some circumstances we may be required by law to release your details to statutory or other official bodies, for example if a court order is presented, or in the case of public health issues. In other circumstances you may be required to give written consent before information is released – such as for medical reports for insurance solicitors etc.
You have the right to view your medical records or to have a copy of them and we would be happy to arrange this if you would apply in writing to the Practice Manager. Details of current fees can be found in reception.