The practice complies with the Data Protection Act 2018. All information about patients is confidential: from the most sensitive diagnosis to the fact of having visited the surgery or being registered at the practice. All patients can expect that their personal information will not be disclosed without their permission except in the most exceptional of circumstances when somebody is at grave risk of serious harm.

All members of the primary health care team (from reception to doctors) in the course of their duties will have access to your medical records. They all adhere to the highest standards of maintaining confidentiality.

As our reception area is a little public, if you wish to discuss something of a confidential nature please mention it to one of the receptionists who will make arrangements for you to have the necessary privacy.

Under 16s

The duty of confidentiality owed to a person under 16 is as great as the duty owed to any other person. Young people aged under 16 years can choose to see health professionals, without informing their parents or carers. If a GP considers that the young person is competent to make decisions about their health, then the GP can give advice, prescribe and treat the young person without seeking further consent.

However, in terms of good practice, health professionals will encourage young people to discuss issues with a parent or carer. As with older people, sometimes the law requires us to report information to appropriate authorities in order to protect young people or members of the public.

Useful Websites

• Confidentiality NHS Code of Practice
• Confidentiality and Mental Health
• Confidentiality Guidance

There are occasions when the doctor or nurse needs to give you a full examination.

• All patients are entitled to have a chaperone with them for any physical examination.
• The chaperone can be a family member, friend or a member of staff.
• If you want a member of staff to accompany you during the visit please let the receptionist know when you arrive for your appointment.

All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure. If you would like a chaperone, however have not been offered one, please ask your GP, nurse or enquire at reception.

If we can’t provide someone straight away, you may need to return for the examination.