How we use and protect your personal information
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on 25th May 2018. This regulation has been introduced to strengthen data protection for individuals within the EU.
This page is about what happens to the information that Vista Road surgery collects about you whenever you come to see us. It also tells you how we make sure it is kept safe.
What do we collect?
We collect information about you such as:
- Your name
- Why you are coming to see us
- Your birthday and year you were born
- Your address
- The name of the person who will generally bring you to your appointments
- Your family doctor (General Practitioner or GP)
- The reason that you are coming to see us
- Any information that your family doctor, you or your family gives us
- What we do to care for you
Why do we collect it?
Vista Road surgery’s main purpose is to deliver healthcare to adults and children. We collect the data we need to care for you in the best way.
We ask for your address so that we know where we can contact you.
We ask for your date of birth as your age may be important to your care.
Each time you come to see us we will write down things that you tell us, things that we tell you and any medicines or exercises we give you. That way, we can look back at what we have done for you to make sure we are treating you in the best way.
What do we do with it?
We keep the information we collect electronically and on paper. All of this information together is called your health record.
Anyone involved in caring for you at the practice can see what has been collected. This way we can all make the right decisions about your care with all of the information you have given us.
Who we share it with
We may share the information we record about you with other hospitals involved in your care. We routinely share information with school nurses, but not directly with school unless it is important for them to know. If you have a social worker, we will share it with them too. That way they are kept up to date on what we are doing for you. Your parents/guardians should get a copy of any letters we send to your doctor about your care.
If you tell us something that makes us worried about your safety or the safety of someone else you know, we might have to share this with other people outside of the practice – even if you don’t want us to. This is part of our job to keep you and others safe.
Keeping your records safe
Everyone working in our practice understands that they need to keep your information safe. This is called keeping your information confidential or protecting your privacy and they have training every year to remind them of this. We tell them that they are only allowed to look at your information if they are involved in your care or to help us run our practice. They understand that they must keep any information safe, especially the information that identifies you. This might be your name or address and anything you come to see us about. We are not allowed to give any of this type of information to anyone who shouldn’t see it; this includes talking to them about it.
Checking we are doing our best
All GP practices are checked by organisations to make sure they are treating and caring for patients and families in the best way they can. The people who inspect us may ask to see a small number of health records. They check that notes are written clearly and are kept safe to ensure that we are recording and storing your information safely.
How long do we keep the information for?
We will keep a copy of your information in our practice for as long as you are registered with our practice.
Am I able to see the information you collect about me?
Yes! You or your family will need to ask your doctor or nurse first though as there may be things that we would need to explain to you such as abbreviations or medical words.
Can I have a copy of my records?
Yes! Your parent/guardian will need to contact us to tell us what they want to see – it may just be part of your record, your x-ray or a report. We will check they are who they say they are to make sure we are not sharing your information with anyone who shouldn’t see it. You may be able to request your health records yourself.
If I think some of my information is wrong can I do anything about tt?
Yes! You or our parent or guardian needs to contact us and let the practice know what it is that you think is wrong.
If I’m unhappy with the way you’ve used some of my information can I do anything?
Yes! Let us know by contacting us at Vista Road surgery. If you’re still not happy, you can contact the information commissioners office on www.ico.org.uk.