The Crown Surgery is committed to the delivery of a first class confidential service, to all patients registered at the practice. This means ensuring that all patient information is held securely and handled confidentially, regardless of patients age.

PATIENT INFORMATION GUIDE

What information is held?

Your medical record included general information e.g. name, address, date of birth, but also details of your medication, diagnosis, consultations, and tests and treatment carried out.

Who can access the information?

The practice holds details of registered patients medical records, which are available to all health professionals in the course of their work, at the surgery. Other NHS, practice, hospital and social staff may have some access to your health records in order to assist in the delivery of your care. When patients change their GP, their health record is returned to the Primary Care Trust to be forwarded to the new GP. If you receive care from organisations outside the NHS we may need to share certain information to enable us to work together e.g. private health care or social services.

Examples of some organisations who may ask for your Health Records;

• The Benefits Agency - may sometimes need medical reports. These will require your signed consent to enable them to be released.

• Law Courts - can insist on the disclosure of health records.

• Solicitors - might ask for medical reports. We always need patients signed consent for us to disclose this information. We will not give details regarding third parties contained in your records.

• Life Assurance Companies - often ask clients for medical reports. Your signed consent is always required.

The Law strictly controls the management of all personal information.

• Anyone who receives information about you has a legal duty to keep it confidential.

• You have a right of access to your health records with some exceptions.

• Your right of privacy allows you to keep your health records confidential between you and your health professional, with some exceptions.

How do I access my own medical record?

• If you wish to view your health records, the Data Protection Act (1998) allows us to charge a small fee to cover our administration costs. (Please ask at reception.)

• If you have any concerns about who might see your health records, or have other queries regarding them, for GP health records, contact the practice manager.

Web access and confidentiality