Confidentiality of Medical Records

Your medical record is a lifelong history of your consultations, illnesses, investigations prescriptions and other treatments.

Your GP is responsible for the accuracy and safekeeping of your medical record, whether it is a paper or computer-held record. Computerised records are covered by the Data Protection Act and subject to the conditions therein. You can help to keep this information accurate by informing your GP of any change in your name, address, telephone number or marital status, and by ensuring your GP is informed about any changes in your health, or the treatment that your receive.

If you move to another area or change doctor, your medical records will be sent to the appropriate Health Authority to be passed on to your new practice. However, a copy of all computer entries made onto your record during the time you were registered will be retained by this practice.

You have a right to keep personal health information confidential between you and your doctor. Your doctor will normally share this information with others involved in your health care, unless you ask them not to (see below). Even if you are under 16, nothing will be said to anyone - including parents, care workers or teachers - without your permission.

How can you find out what is in your medical record?

We are required by law to allow you access to your medical record. If you wish to see your records, please contact the practice manager for further advice. All requests to view your records should be made in writing. We charge a small fee to cover administrative costs. We have a duty to keep your medical record accurate and up to date. Please inform us of any errors of fact that have been made over the years.

What we will not do

To protect your privacy and confidentiality, we will not normally disclose any of your medical information over the telephone or fax, unless we are sure that we are talking to you. We will not disclose any information to your family, friends or colleagues about any medical matters at all, unless we know that they have your consent to do so.

Furthermore, practice staff have been instructed not to disclose any patient information over the phone. Please do not ask them to do so.

If you have any queries, comments or complaints about privacy, confidentiality or the contact of your medical record, please contact the practice manager.