Data Protection

How We Use Your Medical Records

We ask for information about you so we can provide you with the best possible care and treatment.

We keep a record of your health information and the care you receive. This helps us look after you safely and makes sure we have the information we need if you need treatment in the future.

Sometimes we may use information from medical records to help:

• Improve healthcare services
• Protect public health
• Plan future NHS services
• Train healthcare staff
• Carry out medical research
• Make sure NHS services are running properly and efficiently

In some situations, the law requires us to share certain information. For example, we must register births and report some health conditions.

Your Rights

You have the right to see your medical records.

If you would like access to your records, please complete the appropriate form available from the surgery.

Privacy Information

For more information about how we use and protect your information, please see our Privacy Policies below.

Confidentiality and How We Share Your Information

Keeping Your Information Private

Everyone working in the NHS has a legal duty to keep your information safe and confidential.

Sometimes, the healthcare professionals involved in your care may need to share information with each other so they can provide you with the best possible treatment. We only share information when there is a genuine need to do so.

Whenever possible, information that identifies you is removed. Anyone who receives information from us must also keep it confidential.

Information for Young People Under 16

Young people under 16 have the same right to confidentiality as adults.

A young person can speak to a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional without telling their parent or carer, if the healthcare professional believes they are able to understand and make decisions about their own health.

Healthcare professionals will usually encourage young people to involve a parent or trusted adult, but they will respect confidentiality unless there are concerns about safety or the law requires information to be shared.

Sharing Information with Other Organisations

We may share your information with other NHS organisations when it is needed for your healthcare.

Sometimes we may ask for your permission before sharing information with other organisations.

In certain situations, the law may require us to share information, for example to protect public health or keep people safe.

Summary Care Record (SCR)

What is a Summary Care Record?

A Summary Care Record is a secure electronic summary of important information from your GP record.

It can help healthcare professionals provide safer and quicker care when:

• You need emergency treatment
• You are away from home
• The surgery is closed
• You attend a hospital clinic
• You visit a pharmacy

Your Choices

You can choose one of three options:

Option 1: Core Summary Care Record

Most patients have a core Summary Care Record unless they choose not to.

This includes:

• Current medications
• Allergies
• Any bad reactions to medicines

Option 2: Enhanced Summary Care Record

You can choose to share extra information if you wish.

This may include:

• Long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease
• Important medical history
• Information about your care needs and preferences
• Vaccination records

You must give your permission before this information is added.

Option 3: Opt Out

You can choose not to have a Summary Care Record.

If you opt out, healthcare professionals outside your GP practice may not be able to see important information such as your medications or allergies.

Is My Information Safe?

Yes. Your Summary Care Record can only be viewed by authorised NHS staff using secure systems.

Healthcare professionals will normally ask your permission before viewing your record unless there is an emergency and you cannot communicate.

Sensitive information, such as information relating to sexual health, fertility treatment, pregnancy termination or gender reassignment, is not included unless you specifically request it.

Risk Stratification

What is Risk Stratification?

Risk stratification is a secure process that helps the NHS identify patients who may need extra support or care.

For example, it may help identify people who are at higher risk of becoming unwell or being admitted to hospital, so support can be offered earlier.

How Is Information Used?

The NHS may use a small amount of information, such as:

• Age
• Sex
• GP and hospital attendance records
• Prescribed medicines
• Medical conditions
• Height and weight

Before information is analysed, details that identify you are removed where possible.

How Does This Help?

Risk stratification helps healthcare teams:

• Improve patient care
• Identify people who may benefit from extra support
• Plan health services for local communities
• Understand patterns of illness across the population

For wider NHS planning, information is anonymised so that individuals cannot be identified.

Can I Opt Out?

Yes. If you do not want your information used in this way, please contact the surgery and let us know.

Adding More Information to Your Summary Care Record

If you would like an Enhanced Summary Care Record or would like more information about your options, please speak to a member of our reception team. You can change your choice at any time.