Confidentiality

Confidentiality is of the highest importance and every member of staff, including clinicians, are bound by the rules of confidentiality.

• Doctors, Nurses and Health Professionals have a duty of confidentiality to patients of all ages, including under 16’s.
• Only in exceptional circumstances may confidentiality be broken. Such a situation may arise if the health, safety or welfare of the patient or others, would otherwise be at grave risk.
• Whenever possible, patients should be informed before confidentiality is broken, unless to do so would be dangerous to the patient or others.

You can be sure that anything you discuss with any member of this practice – family doctor, nurse or receptionist – will remain confidential . 

Even if you are under 16 no information will be given to anyone, including parents, other family members, care workers or tutors – without your permission. The only reason we would consider passing on confidential information without your consent, would be to protect you or someone else from serious harm. We would always try to discuss this with you first. 

If you are being treated elsewhere – for example at a hospital or Brook Centre – it is best if you allow the doctor or nurse to inform the practice of any treatment you are receiving. 

Any information held about you or your health us subject to the data protection act. No information will be given to any agency outside the National Health Service without your written consent.

If you have any worries about confidentiality, please feel free to ask a member of staff.