Confidentiality

Protection and Use of your Information

GPDPR

GP Data for Planning and Research GPDPR May 21

Announced in the House of commons the rollout will be delayed to 1st September 2021

Your Records are Safe With Us.

We ask for information about yourself so that you can receive the best possible care and treatment. We keep this information, together with details of your care, to ensure that your doctor or nurse have accurate and up to date information. It also may be needed if we see you again.

We only use or pass information about you to people who have a genuine need for it. Whenever we can we shall remove details that identify you as an individual. Everyone working for the NHS has a legal duty to maintain the highest level of confidentiality about patient information.

If at any time you would like to know more information about how we use your information you can speak to our Practice Coordinator, Ms Jackie Corbett Mead

Data Protection Act – Patient Information

We need to hold personal information about you on our Computer system and in paper records to help us to look after your health needs, and your doctor is responsible for their accuracy and safe–keeping. Please help to keep your records up to date by informing us of any changes to your circumstances.

Doctors and staff in the Practice have access to your medical records to enable them to do their jobs. From time to time information may be shared with others involved in your care if it is necessary. Anyone with access to your record is properly trained in confidentiality issues and is governed by both a legal and contractual duty to keep your details private.

All information about you is held securely and appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent accidental loss.

In some circumstances we may be required by law to release your details to statutory or other official bodies, for example if a Court Order is presented, or in the case of Public Health issues. In other circumstances you may be required to give written consent before information is released – such as for medical reports for insurance, solicitors etc.

To ensure your privacy, we will not disclose information over the telephone or fax unless we are sure that we are talking to you. Information will not be disclosed to family, friends, or spouses unless we have prior written consent, and we do not leave messages with others.

You have a right to see your records if you wish. Please ask at reception if you would like further details and our patient information leaflet. An appointment will be required. In some circumstances a fee may be payable.

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations)

We, at Shephall Health Centre, are a Data Controller of your information.  This means we are responsible for collecting, storing and handling your personal and healthcare information when you register with us as a patient. 

We understand how important it is to keep your personal information safe and secure and we take this very seriously.  We have taken steps to make sure your personal information is looked after in the best possible way and we review this regularly.

We are required by Law, in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), which come into effect from 25th May 2018, to provide you with a Practice Privacy Notice.

Please click on the link below to read our Privacy Notice which contains important information about how we use the personal and healthcare information we collect on on your behalf:- 

Shephall Health Centre Privacy Notice v1

Abusive Behaviour

The Partners at Shephall Health Centre re–affirm their commitment to do everything possible to protect staff, patients and visitors from unacceptable behaviour and their zero tolerance of any incident that causes hurt, alarm damage or distress, all incidents will be reported to the Police. Those behaving in this way may be removed from our surgery list and also required to undergo treatment at a special unit.

Comments and Complaints

There is a Practice Complaints Procedure to deal with comments, suggestions and complaints about the services we provide. Our Receptionists will give you further information or alternatively you could write to the Practice Manager, Shephall Health Centre, Ridlins End, Stevenage SG2 9QZ. Our aim is to give you the highest possible standard of service and we try to deal swiftly with any problems that may occur.

We are always pleased to receive your comments and suggestions. you can send us feedback by clicking the 'Have your say' bubble above. 

Please also find a link to the NHS England - Complaining to NHS England should you prefer to send the complaint to them rather than the practice

Freedom of Information Act 2000

The practice has a legal responsibility to respond to patient requests for information about the practice that is publicly available. The practice will respond to any such request made in writing within 20 days. Please address your requests to Mrs Beverly Miller, our Practice Coordinator.

There may be a charge for the information requested, of which you will be informed prior to the release of information.

Chaperone

If you would like a chaperone present during your consultation, then please advise the receptionist when booking your appointment.