While we have taken
every care to compile accurate information and to keep it up-to-date, we cannot
guarantee its correctness and completeness. The information provided on this
site , business, medical and other professional advice is subject to change.
We do not accept
responsibility for any loss, damage or expense resulting from the use of this
information.
It is essential
that advice contained herein should be treated as a guide only and not as a
substitute for seeking appropriate medical care.
All links from this
website have been selected using a standard links protocol. Links are provided
for information and convenience only. We cannot accept responsibility for the
sites linked to, or the information found there. A link does not imply an
endorsement of a site; likewise, not linking to a particular site does not imply
lack of endorsement.
Confidentiality
Safe In Our Hands
Each and
every day patients tell doctors, nurses and staff confidential information
which they wish to keep between themselves and the practice. All patients have
the right to confidentiality and need to feel secure in the knowledge that this
is ensured. The medical, nursing and administration staff at Martins Oak
Surgery are committed to providing a safe and secure environment so that you,
the patient, feel you can discuss any matter relating to your health.
Information may be shared with other medical and nursing staff, but only if it
is necessary for your care - your permission must be given before it can be
divulged to anyone else - even members of your own family. As in all medical
environments, we have a very strict code of confidentiality, which is enforced
by the General Medical Council (GMC) in addition to the Data Protection Act. We
are in a privileged position, as guardians of your health, and would like to
take this opportunity to explain some of the steps we take to ensure
confidentiality is maintained.
Practice Staff
Doctors and nurses do not
share confidential information with reception and administration staff. However,
documents have to be scanned into your electronic record, letters typed and your
record accessed for administrative purposes - all these tasks are carried out by
staff however, they are not allowed to access your record for any other purpose.
All our staff are trained in all aspects of confidentiality and each team member
is a highly trustworthy professional. No member of the team is permitted to
discuss any information about patients outside of the working environment - a
breech of this confidentiality warrants instant dismissal.
Computer Records
We are a
'paper-lite' practice, which means all records are kept electronically on
computer. From March 2003 all documentation from outside sources has been scanned
in to the relevant electronic record - we
therefore, no longer use paper records but store them on the premises.
Computerised records are more efficient and secure than the old paper version,
though we still keep the old paper records on site, in secure storage.
Only the doctors, nurses and staff employed by the practice have access to your
electronic record. Each member of staff has a unique password and each and every
‘visit’ to a patients record is recorded.
As with all
medical practices, we are registered under the Data Protection Act.
Some minor
information is sent electronically to the Health Authority, for example, claims
for immunizations, maternity care etc. No outside body is able to access your
record from outside the building - in addition the system is protected by a very
secure and sophisticated ‘firewall’ to prevent ‘hacking’.
Other Professionals Caring for
You
On
occasions, it is desirable to share information with other professionals, for
example health visitors, social workers etc., if this is the case, we will not
proceed without your knowledge.
Reports—Insurance/Employment
Medicals Requests for reports
from outside bodies must be accompanied by the patients written authorisation. Without your consent, the report will not be processed. However, it is worth
noting, that often patients are unaware of the depth of information required by
the requesting body. If you have any concerns or prefer for certain information
to be withheld, please inform your doctor. Alternatively, you may request to see
the report before it is sent to the relevant organisation. You are able to do
this at the same time as you sign the authorisation document.
Members of Your Family
On occasion, a member of a
patient’s family, carer or friend, may be concerned about your health. Neither
the doctor nor staff are permitted to divulge any information relating to you to
a third party. The same principal applies to a third party trying to obtain test
results on behalf of the patient. We are not permitted to give out test results
to anyone other than the patient - unless prior notice is given by the patient.
Sometimes a patient
may wish for a friend or relative to attend a consultation with the. This is
not a problem—indeed this can be reassuring and helpful for the patient.
Concerned About a Relative?
In
a case where a relative is concerned about a patient who refuses to see a
doctor, please address your concerns to the relevant doctor in writing or make
an appointment. The doctor will not be able to discuss the patients health with
you but he/she may be able to act on the information you have provided.
Young People
Young people have equal
rights to confidentiality. Test results and information pertaining to the young
patient will only be divulged to a third party with the patient’s consent.
‘Young people’ refers to patients over the age of 16, also those who are under
16 if they are deemed to be able to make competent decisions about their own
health.
Your Right to View Your Records
If you wish to view your records (computerised
and/or paper) please make your request in writing to your GP. You will then be
contacted to arrange a time and date, that is mutually convenient, to view your
record. A charge will be made for this service. Please provide a form of
identity on your arrival. Whilst you are viewing your record you will be
chaperoned by a senior member of staff or your GP.
Releasing Information Without
Your Agreement
There are
very few occasions when doctors are obliged by law to release information
without your consent to the relevant health authority. These are listed below.
If you:
Your doctor
will have to make a judgment, based on individual circumstances, before making
this kind of decision.
Too Many Questions?
Often reception staff have to
ask you several questions when you make an appointment—this is done purely on
behalf of the doctors or nurses - in order to help them assess your health needs
and provide the correct service. Obtaining test results via the telephone can be
fraught with potential problems, therefore the receptionist will have to ask you
several questions, in order to ascertain the identity of the caller. Please do
not be offended, it is a protocol put in place to ensure the right person gets
the correct information.
And Finally
If you have any concerns
regarding your medical record or any aspect of Patient Confidentiality, please
contact the Practice Manager, Mrs Jackie Letchford.
We would like to thank the
various surgeries whose websites we have cannibalised to compile the above
document.
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