Data Protection

Access to Medical Records

Lisson Grove and Woolwell Medical Centre complies with the EU General Data Protection Regulations, the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. For further information please ask at Reception.

Every staff member working in this practice has a legal, ethical and contractual duty to keep information confidential. There are occasions when some details may need to be given to others:

  • We cannot administer your care without controlled sharing of your care across the team. For example administration staff need to have limited access in order to schedule appointments and generate prescriptions.
  • You may be receiving care from other people such as Social Services, Health Visitor, Consultants and Specialist Nurses. So that we can work together for your benefit we may need to share some information about you.
  • If you are claiming benefits against a third party or applying for benefits there may be times when a report about your condition may be made on your behalf. We will only do this with your permission.
  • On occasions the law requires us to pass on information, for example to notify a birth or an infectious disease. Law courts can also insist that medical records are disclosed.
  • With your permission, your relatives, friends and carers can be kept up to date with your treatment.

We only pass on information to those who genuinely require it. Wherever possible details that identify you will be removed. Anyone who receives information has a duty to keep it confidential.

The Data Protection Act 1998 gives you the general right to see or have a copy of any personal data held or anything written about you in your health record. If you would like access to any part of your medical records please submit a Subject Access Request.

How We Use Your Information

We will share relevant information from your medical record with other health & social care staff or organisations when they provide you with care. For example, your GP will share information when they refer you to a specialist in a hospital or your GP will send details about a prescription to your chosen pharmacy.

The documents opposite will give further information.