Your information and how to access it
What information is collected about you?
We keep basic information about who you are, where you live and your GP, as well as;
- your physical health,
- your mental health,
- treatments you have received,
- other information relevant to providing your healthcare.
If you are not certain why a question you are asked is relevant to your healthcare, please ask a member of staff.
Why is information collected?
Information about you is collected so that we may provide appropriate healthcare advice when you need it. It ensures that your medical history is up-to-date and allows clinicians make decisions on any treatment you may receive with as much information as possible.We also use information for research and teaching, but will only use information that may identify you once you have given your consent that we may do so.
How do we look after your information?
Some information about you is kept on paper and some on computer. It is all treated with the same levels of confidentiality and control over the use of the information.
All information is kept secure and only those people who are directly involved in your care or staff who need to use records as part of their job are granted access. The confidentiality of patient and personal information is very important to the NHS.
Who do we share information with?
If you receive care from other people as well as the NHS we may need to share your records and information with them.
Your information is always used in accordance with the “Care Record Guarantee” (which may be found on the web link at the end of this leaflet), and the law. We will only ever share your information if people have a genuine need for it.
We will not disclose your information to organisations that are not involved in your care, without your permission, unless there are exceptional circumstances such as;
- there is a risk of harm to someone or the wider community,
- the prevention or detection of a serious crime,
- where we are required to do so by law,
- to notify a birth,
- reporting some infectious diseases.
Anyone who receives personal information from us is under a legal duty to keep it confidential.
We will also only give your relatives, friends and carers information about you if you want us to, and you have informed us of this fact.
How you may ask to see your information
Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you have a right to request personal information that we hold about you.
To make a request for your information please contact:
Karen Railton
NHS Coventry
Christchurch House
Greyfriars Lane
Coventry
CV1 2GQ
Tel: 02476 553344
Email: karen.railton@coventrypct.nhs.uk