Confidentiality & Medical Records
The practice complies with data protection and access to medical records legislation. Identifiable information about you will be shared with others in the following circumstances:
- To provide further medical treatment for you e.g. from district nurses and hospital services.
- To help you get other services e.g. from the social work department. This requires your consent.
- When we have a duty to others e.g. in child protection cases anonymised patient information will also be used at local and national level to help the Health Board and Government plan services e.g. for diabetic care.
If you do not wish anonymous information about you to be used in such a way, please let us know.
Reception and administration staff require access to your medical records in order to do their jobs. These members of staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the medical staff.
You may opt out of having your personal identifiable information shared outside of the Practice for anything other than your individual direct health care, a Type 1 Opt Out, you must supply us with a copy of the completed form in order for us to update your medical record with your request. Further information can be found here https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/opt-out-of-sharing-your-health-records/
You may also choose to opt our of having your personal information being used for planning or research, this is called a National Data Opt Out. You may find more information about this here https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/manage-your-choice/ and must submit the relevant form to update your NHS information.
Type 1 Opt out Form
Freedom of Information
Information about the General Practitioners and the practice required for disclosure under this act can be made available to the public. All requests for such information should be made to the practice manager.
Legal requirements
All GP surgeries have a legal obligation to share data as requested by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and in compliance with the Health and Social Care Act 2012 with NHS Digital and other Public Health organisations. This is to help protect the health of the whole nation and to plan funding and health services. Patients wishing to have a National Opt out applied to their NHS number will need to apply this independently of the surgery via the 'Your data Matters website, Overview – Choose if data from your health records is shared for research and planning - NHS (www.nhs.uk). Alternatively you can telephone the NHS Digital Contact Centre on 0300 303 5678, Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm or email them enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk.
NHS Digital Privacy Notice
Access to Health Records known as Subject Access Request (SAR)
In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and alongside the forthcoming UK Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018) and Access to Health Records Act, patients or an authorised third party may request to see or have copies of their medical records. No information will be released without patient consent. Such requests should be made through the secretary team either in writing, via email to loxwood.txt@nhs.net or verbally over the telephone. Your GP will have ultimate responsibility for approving your request. Please give details (or dates) of how much of your medical record is required. Proof of identity will be required prior to any information being released. Once a request is received and verified we will provide the requested information within 28 days. Please complete the application form below.
Subject Access Request application form
GDPR patient notice
GDPR privacy notice for direct care
GDPR privacy notice emergency care
GDPR privacy notice Covid high risk patient data
GDPR privacy notice for planning and research
GDPR Privacy Notice Fair Processing
Sharing Your GP Health Records: Connect My Care (Subtitled) from Innovations in Primary Care Ltd on Vimeo.
For information surrounding your personal data and the use of eConsult to submit any queries visit https://econsult.net/privacy-policies/Why do I need a Summary Care Record?
Storing information in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed.
This information could make a difference to how a doctor decides to care for you, for example which medicines they choose to prescribe for you.
Who can see it?
Only healthcare staff involved in your care can see your Summary Care Record.
How do I know if I have one?
Over half of the population of England now have a Summary Care Record. You can find out whether Summary Care Records have come to your area by looking at our interactive map or by asking your GP
Do I have to have one?
No, it is not compulsory. If you choose to opt out of the scheme, then you will need to complete a form and bring it along to the surgery. You can use the form at the foot of this page.
More Information
For further information visit the NHS Care records website