Some services require information sharing with other health care agencies and we have the following protocol for such information sharing:

YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS

To make sure you recieve the best possible care we keep information about you.

Information may include:

Basic details about you, such as address, telephone numbers and next of kin.

Contacts we have had with you such as consultations.

Details about your health and any treatment and care you need.

Details about the treatment and care you receive.

Results of investigations such as blood tests.

Relevant information from relatives or those who care for you and know you well.

This information may be stored on paper or electronically on computer files. You can help us to keep it accurate by informing us of any changes in your circumstances.

CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS

Everyone who works for the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential. You may be receiving care from other people as well as your doctor, e.g. NHS Hospital Trusts, Social Services and Private Hospitals etc. So that we can all work together for your benefit we may need to share some of your health information. We will only do this if there is a genuine need for it. Anyone who receives information from us is also under a legal duty to keep it confidential.

Occasions when we must pass on information by law includes:

Notifications of new births.

Infectious diseases that may endanger the safety of others e.g. meningitis or measles. (Please note that information passed on about sexually transmitted infections is anonymous. However, as requested by law, personal details will be passed on for cases of infectious hepatitis).

Where a formal court order has been issued.

We may also pass on information in exceptional circumstances, such as when the health and safety of others is at risk.

We abide by the NHS Openness Code of Freedom of Information.