Patient Communication

All staff working in the NHS have a legal duty to keep your medical records confidential in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.  Therefore, staff are unable to disclose any medical information to a third party regarding a patient over the age of 16 without their prior permission. This may seem unfair to you as the person who possibly arranges and drives them to all their appointments.  However, under no circumstances can staff assume that consent to release medical information, test results or any appointment information has been given without written authorisation from the patient.

Staff are not trying to be difficult or obstructive, rather trying to protect each patients’ confidentiality.

If you would benefit from a third party input/someone else who looks after you (i.e. a family member or a carer) being able to liaise on your behalf, please can you inform the practice in writing.  We will then ensure this request is made available in your medical records and we can then liaise with your nominated person as requested.

You may find our Frequently Asked Questions leaflet useful please use the link provided to download a copy.

Frequently Asked Questions