Confidentiality and data protection

  • Anything you tell the doctor, nurse, or receptionist is private.
  • Even if you are under 16, we will not tell anyone (including parents, family, teachers, or care workers) without your permission.
  • The only time we may share information without asking you is if we need to protect you or someone else from serious harm.
  • If this happens, we will try to talk to you first.

If you have questions about confidentiality, ask a member of staff.

How We Protect Your Personal Information

  • We follow strict laws like UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act, and the Human Rights Act.
  • All staff are trained to keep your information safe and confidential.
  • Your data is stored securely on systems that meet high security standards.
  • Paper records are kept in locked cabinets and only authorised staff can access them.
  • We share data only when the law allows or when it is needed for your care.
  • We never keep records longer than necessary.

Your Information and Privacy

  • Sometimes we need to share your information:
    • To give you more medical care (for example, hospital or district nurse).
    • To help you get other services (for example, social care) – we will ask your permission first.
    • If we must protect someone (for example, child protection).

Anonymous Information

  • We also use anonymous information (no names) to help plan health services.
  • If you do not want your anonymous information used, please tell us.

Who Can See Your Records

  • Health workers, reception and admin staff need to see your records to do their jobs.
  • All staff follow the same confidentiality rules.

Data Choices

Your Data Matters to the NHS

  • Information about your health helps the NHS:
    • Improve your care
    • Plan local services
    • Research new treatments
  • The NHS keeps your information safe and is clear about how it is used.

How Your Data Is Used

  • When you use health services, information about your care is collected.
  • This includes things like treatment and diagnosis.
  • It is also used for:
    • Research into new treatments
    • Planning services
    • Deciding how many doctors and nurses are needed
  • This only happens when the law allows it and helps improve care for you and others.

You Have a Choice

  • If you are happy with this, you do not need to do anything.
  • If you do not want your confidential information used for research and planning, you can opt out online or by phone.
  • You can change your mind at any time.

Will Opting Out Affect Your Care?

  • No. You will still get care and treatment.
  • You will still be invited for screening (like bowel cancer checks).

What Do You Need to Do?

  • If you are happy for your information to be used, do nothing.

To learn more or to opt out, click here.