General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)
Access to Medical Records
The Data Protection Act 1984 and Access to Health Records Act 1990 gives patients the right to see medical records made after November 1991 and any records held about them on computer. Requests are by appointment and may be subject to an administration charge. No information will ever be released without your consent unless we are legally obliged to do so.
Confidentiality and Access to Medical records
All staff in the practice are bound to maintain patient confidentiality. Any proven breach of confidentiality will be treated extremely seriously. Confidentiality also extends to family members; therefore medical information relating to you will not be divulged to a family member without your consent.
Freedom of Information
Information about the General Practioners and the practice required for disclosure under this act can be made available to the public. All requests for such information should be made to the practice manager.
Your Electronic Health Record
Summary Care Record
There is a new Central NHS Computer System called the Summary Care Record (SCR). It is an electronic record which contains information about the medicines you take, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had.
Why do I need a Summary Care Record?
Storing information in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed.
This information could make a difference to how a doctor decides to care for you, for example which medicines they choose to prescribe for you.
Who can see it?
Only healthcare staff involved in your care can see your Summary Care Record.
How do I know if I have one?
Over half of the population of England now have a Summary Care Record. You can find out whether Summary Care Records have come to your area by looking at the Summary Care Record interactive map or by asking your GP.
Do I have to have one?
No, it is not compulsory. If you choose to opt out of the scheme, then you will need to complete a form and bring it along to the surgery. You can use the form at the foot of this page.
More Information
NHS Summary Care Records website