All employees of the practice have a legal duty to keep your medical information confidential and anyone who receives that information from us is bound by the same legal duty. If you are receiving care from other people, both within and outside the NHS, we may need to share information to enable us to all work together for your benefit.
The sharing of information is strictly controlled by law, so unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as when the safety of others is at risk, we will not disclose your information to third parties without your permission. We will only give information to your relatives, friends or carers with your permission.
Sometimes the law requires us to report certain information to appropriate authorities, eg notification of a birth or to protect the safety of members of the public.
Under 16s
Young people aged less than 16 years can choose to see health professionals without informing their parents or carers. These young people have the same right to confidentiality. If a GP considers that the young person is competent to make decisions about their health, then the GP can give advice, prescribe and treat the young person without seeking further consent. However, health professionals will encourage young people to discuss issues with a parent or carer.
Sometimes the law requires us to report certain information to appropriate authorities to protect young people or members of the public.