UK GDPR, Confidentiality and data opt out

UK GDPR

UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) is the general data protection regime that applies to most UK businesses and organisations. To ensure compliance, Broad Lane Surgery must ensure that information is provided to patients about how their personal data is processed in a manner which is:

Concise, transparent, intelligible and easily accessible;
Written in clear and plain language, particularly if addressed to a child; and
Free of charge

Confidentiality

NHS staff keep records about your health and the care you receive in order to provide a safe and effective health service. Other agencies who are involved in the care given to you will have access to your records too (with minimum information given) Your information will not be disclosed to third parties without your consent unless it is required by law or the health or safety of others is at risk. Safeguards are in place to keep your data safe in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

Types of data and data opt-out

There are three different types of data kept by the NHS:

Local data sharing which is medical records held at your GP practice. If a patient does not opt out, their information can be shared amongst the Richmond General Practice Alliance surgeries, but only when immediate patient care is needed. If you do not want your personally identifiable patient data to be shared outside of your GP practice for purposes except your own care, you can register an opt-out with us. This is known as a Type 1 Opt-out. Click here for a type 1 opt-out form.
Summary Care Records are electronic records stored at a central location. They contain information about medicines, allergies, or reactions to medicines that a patient has had but do not include detailed information about a patient’s medical history. Only healthcare staff directly involved in the patient’s care have access to this information. Having this information stored in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat patients in an emergency – this could be critical in an emergency situation. If a patient does not opt out, they will automatically have a Summary Care Record; however a patient can opt out of or re-join the scheme at any time. If you want to opt out, please contact the surgery and ask them to make a note of this in your medical records.
NHS Digital Data Your health records contain a type of data called confidential patient information which is when 2 types of information from your health records are joined together – namely something that can identify you and something about your health care or treatment. eg your name and the medicines you take. This data can be used to help plan and improve health care services and research and develop cures for serious illnesses. You can choose to stop your confidential patient information being used for research and planning. You can also make a choice for someone else like your children under the age of 13. For national opt out information click here.