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).
- 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.
More information about access to medical records can be found on the NI Direct website.
GDPR
Processing your personal information comes with significant responsibilities on our part, and we want you to know that we take those responsibilities very seriously.
From Friday 25th May 2018, The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will replace current data protection laws in the European Union.
Please note we are no longer able to release medical information to family members or friends without signed consent from the patient. On the consent form, you are asked to nominate someone to collect your medical information on your behalf. Please inform the nominee that they may be asked for photo ID on arrival.
Your Data Matters to the NHS
Information about your health and care helps us to improve your individual care, speed up diagnosis, plan your local services and research new treatments. The NHS is committed to keeping patient information safe and always being clear about how it is used.
How your data is used
Information about your individual care such as treatment and diagnoses is collected about you whenever you use health and care services. It is also used to help us and other organisations for research and planning such as research into new treatments, deciding where to put GP clinics and planning for the number of doctors and nurses in your local hospital. It is only used in this way when there is a clear legal basis to use the information to help improve health and care for you, your family and future generations.
Wherever possible we try to use data that does not identify you, but sometimes it is necessary to use your confidential patient information.
You have a choice
You do not need to do anything if you are happy about how your information is used. If you do not want your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you can choose to opt out securely online or through a telephone service. You can change your mind about your choice at any time.
Will choosing this opt-out affect your care and treatment?
No, choosing to opt out will not affect how information is used to support your care and treatment. You will still be invited for screening services, such as screenings for bowel cancer.
What do you need to do?
If you are happy for your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you do not need to do anything.
To find out more about the benefits of data sharing, how data is protected, or to make/change your opt-out choice visit www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters
Download a copy of the patient leaflet
Equality and Respect
We are committed to treating all patients in a courteous, consistent and professional manner. We aim to have a mutually fair and respectful relationship with our patients and to provide equality of service to all patients in an environment which is free from discrimination or harassment.
Comments and Suggestions
We value feedback from our patients and welcome your comments and suggestions. Please put these in writing and mark for the attention of our Practice Manager.
Unacceptable Behaviour
At our practice we operate a No Tolerance policy regarding abusive or aggressive behaviour towards any member of our staff. We aim to provide a comprehensive and professional service in an efficient and pleasant manner to all our patients. We strive to provide a helpful and friendly environment. We would like to ask that patients co-operate with all our policies and treat our staff in a courteous manner. Safety is of paramount importance at our practice and, accordingly, any patient or visitor who is abusive or aggressive in a verbal or physical manner, will be asked to leave the premises immediately and will be removed from the patient list. We consider aggressive behaviour to include any personal, abusive or threatening comments, bad language, physical contact, aggressive gestures and theft or damage to property. We will not hesitate to contact the Garda.
Complaints Procedure
To register a complaint with the practice, please put it in writing and send it to our Practice Manager.
Please note: All complaints will be dealt with in a strictly confidential manner.
Private Care Policy
Information for patients who are planning or have received private care outside the NHS.