This section explains why information is collected about you by Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Trust and the ways in which this information may be used.
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Why we collect information about you |
Your doctor and other health professionals caring for you keep records about your health and any treatment and care you receive from the National Health Service. These help ensure that you receive the best possible care from us. They may be written down (manual records), or held on computer. The records may include:
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How your records are used to help you |
Your records are used to guide professionals in the care you receive to ensure that:
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How your records are used to help the NHS |
Your information may also be used to help us:
Where it is not possible to use anonymised information, personally identifiable information may be used for essential NHS purposes. These may include research and where the law requires information to be passed on in the wider public or public health interest. |
How we keep your records confidential |
Everyone working for the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential. You may be receiving care from other organisations as well as the NHS (like Social Services). We may need to share some information about you so we can all work together for your benefit. We will only ever use or pass on information about you if others involved in your care have a genuine need for it. We will not disclose your information to third parties without your permission unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as when the health or safety of others is at risk or where the law requires information to be passed on. Anyone who receives information from us is also under a legal duty to keep it confidential. |
Information that we have to share |
We are required by law to report certain information to the appropriate authorities. Occasions when we must pass on information include:
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How you can get access to your own health records |
The Data Protection Act 1998, which came into force on 1st March 2000, allows you to find out what information about you is held on computer and in certain paper records. This is known as “right of subject access”. It applies to your health records. If you wish to see your Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Trust health records you should make a written request to the Health Records Officer. You are entitled to receive a copy but should note that a charge will usually be made. You should also be aware that in certain circumstances your right to see some details in your health records may be limited in your own interest of for other reasons. |
Reference: Data Protection Act 1998: London. The Stationery Office