Patient confidentiality

We respect your right to privacy and keep all your health information confidential and secure. It is important that the NHS keeps accurate and up-to-date records about your health and treatment so that those treating you can give you the best possible care.

This information may be used for management and audit purposes. However, it is usually only available to, and used by, those involved in your care. You have the right to know what information we hold about you. If you would like to see your records please contact the Practice Manager.

Information about you and how we use it

When you come to the surgery, information about you, your medical treatment and family background may be recorded, on paper and computer, to help us care for you. The information is part of your health record and will be kept in case we need to see you again.We hold demographic data (name, address, telephone numbers, date of birth, ethnic origin, family relationships, next of kin) and clinical data (diagnoses, family history, allergies and sensitivities, medication, consultation records, investigations, test results, referrals and letters to and from other NHS organisations about your care).

Members of the clinical teams looking after you may share your personal health information with each other. This team may include healthcare professionals and support staff. All NHS staff are bound by law and a strict code of confidentiality, and are monitored by the Surgery’s Caldicott Guardian (Dr Alex Harding), who is responsible for ensuring patients’ confidentiality is respected. Your confidentiality is very important to us, and we have strict controls in place to protect your information.

Data will be retained only for as long as necessary to provide care for you. Our document retention policy can be downloaded here.

Date published: 20th September, 2023
Date last updated: 9th June, 2026