We respect our patients’ rights to confidentiality, both under legislation and best practice, and all of our staff are bound by the NHS Code of Confidentiality.

Everyone working for the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential. We have a duty to:

• Maintain full and accurate records of the care we provide to you.
• Keep records about you confidential, secure and accurate.
• Provide information in a format that is accessible to you (for example in large type if you are partially sighted).

We will not share information that identifies you for any reason, unless:

• You ask us to do so.
• We ask and you give us specific permission.
• We are required to do this by law.
• We have special permission for health or research purposes.
• We have special permission because the interests of the public are thought to be of greater importance than your confidentiality.

If you wish others to be able to telephone in and collect your results/ discuss issues with the practice on your behalf, we will need this in writing from you. This will then be noted on your records.

We are unable to give our test results to anyone but the patient (unless it’s for a child under the age of 16 and you are the parent/ legal guardian).

All patient information is considered to be confidential and we comply fully with the Data Protection Act 2018 and Caldicott principles.

All employees in the practice:

• Have access to patient information in relation to their role.
• Have confidentiality clauses in their contracts of employment.
• Have signed a confidentiality agreement.
• All staff members adhere to the Confidentiality: NHS Code of Practice 2003.

Where appropriate, your information may be shared with other parties within the care team. However, these individuals must be involved in your direct care, and this sharing is based on implied consent.

This will be on a need to know basis only and to ensure safe and effective care is delivered to you. If you do not wish for your medical information to be shared within the team providing direct care, then you must discuss this with your GP.

Patient information will not be shared outside of the direct care team without consent being sought. You have the right to refuse to have your information disclosed; however, please note that although this may have an impact on your care, your wishes will be complied with.

Diabetic Eye Screening

The practice shares your diabetes related data with the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme operated by Health Intelligence (commissioned by NHS England). This supports your invitation for eye screening (where you are eligible and referred by the practice) and ongoing care by the screening programme.

This data may be shared with any hospital eye services you are under the care of to support further treatment and with other healthcare professionals involved in your care, for example your diabetologist.