We maintain confidentiality at all times for our patients in accordance with the NHS guidelines. All our staff are reminded of their responsibilities in this respect. We adopt the same standards of confidentiality to all information held on our computer system, and in this respect we are registered under the Data Protection Act.

Patients can normally see their own computer record in the consulting room as the doctor or nurse use it. Patients can request access to their own written and computer records if requested, although the records may not be removed from the practice premises. Assistance is given by the Business Manager if access is required to the computer record and in this circumstance a member of staff will stay with you at all times to ensure confidentiality of other patients records. If copies or a computer printout are required, a charge is made for this to cover costs incurred.

Access to medical records for people outside the health care team (or who are involved in the patient's clinical care) is only given with the patient's express written permission. District nurses and health visitors have access to the medical records of the patients in their care.