At 4 Seasons Medical Centre we will ensure that patients are informed about how the information we hold is processed and shared. All information will be processed lawfully and fairly, in accordance with the DPA 1998.
COVID-19 Privacy Notice
Download the privacy notice relating to COVID-19 (DOCX, 661KB)
Privacy notices
4 Seasons Medical Centre has a legal duty to explain how we use any personal information we collect about you as a registered patient at the practice. Staff at this practice maintain records about your health and the treatment you receive in paper and electronic format.
Download the Privacy Notice (DOCX, 439KB)
Download the Young Persons Privacy Notice (DOCX, 99KB)
Privacy Notice Information
NHS Digital has produced a Transparency Notice specifically for GPs. The team have drafted a section that can be included on the practice privacy notice. We advise that this is section to be included on the Privacy notice is approved locally, at your senior management meetings for example and amend / adapt where required:
How sharing patient data with NHS Digital helps the NHS and you
The NHS needs data about the patients it treats in order to plan and deliver its services and to ensure that care and treatment provided is safe and effective. The General Practice Data for Planning and Research data collection will help the NHS to improve health and care services for everyone by collecting patient data that can be used to do this. For example patient data can help the NHS to:
- monitor the long-term safety and effectiveness of care
- plan how to deliver better health and care services
- prevent the spread of infectious diseases
- identify new treatments and medicines through health research
GP practices already share patient data for these purposes, but this new data collection will be more efficient and effective.
We have agreed to share the patient data we look after in our practice with NHS Digital who will securely store, analyse, publish and share this patient data to improve health and care services for everyone. This includes:
- informing and developing health and social care policy
- planning and commissioning health and care services
- taking steps to protect public health (including managing and monitoring the coronavirus pandemic)
- in exceptional circumstances, providing you with individual care
- enabling healthcare and scientific research
This means that we can get on with looking after our patients and NHS Digital can provide controlled access to patient data to the NHS and other organisations who need to use it to improve health and care for everyone.
Contributing to research projects will benefit us all as better and safer treatments are introduced more quickly and effectively without compromising your privacy and confidentiality.
NHS Digital has engaged with the British Medical Association (BMA) Royal College of GPs (RCGP) and the National Data Guardian (NDG) to ensure relevant safeguards are in place for patients and GP practices.
To view further information please use the NHS Digital Webpage which provides up to date information on the Data Collection.
Opting out of NHS Digital collecting your data
If you wish to register a Type 1 Opt-out with your GP practice before data sharing starts with NHS Digital, this should be done by returning this form (DOCX, 45KB) to your GP practice by 25 August 2021 to allow time for processing it.
If you do not want NHS Digital to share your identifiable patient data with anyone else for purposes beyond your own care, then you can also register a National Data Opt-out.
GPDPR data collection Opt Outs (PDF, 289KB)
Information we collect
We will collect information such as personal details, including name, address, next of kin, records of appointments, telephone calls, your health records, treatment and medications, test results etc. and any other relevant information. relation to your care.
Using your information
Your data is collected for the purpose of providing healthcare services; however, we can disclose this information if it is required by law, if you give consent or if it is justified in the public interest.
Confidentiality
We are committed to maintaining your confidentiality and protecting the information we hold about you. We adhere to the Data Protection Act (DPA 1998), NHS Codes of Confidentiality and Security, and guidance issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Sharing data
All health and adult social care organisations are required to share information about patients with each other, by law; this is to improve the care delivered to the patient. An additional requirement is that the patient’s NHS number is used as the unique identifier when sharing any information or data.
Opting out
Should you wish to opt out of data collection, please contact a member of staff who will be able to explain how you can opt out and prevent the sharing of your information. This is done by registering a Type 1 opt-out, preventing your information from being shared.
Changes to our policy
Your Data Matters - Please read
We regularly review our privacy policy and any updates will be published on our website and in our newsletter. Posters will also be updated to reflect the changes.
Your Data Matters to the NHS
Information about your health and care helps us to improve your individual care, speed up diagnosis, plan your local services and research new treatments.
In May 2018, the strict rules about how this data can and cannot be used were strengthened.
The NHS is committed to keeping patient information safe and always being clear about how it is used. You can choose whether your confidential patient information is used for research and planning.
To find out more visit: nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters
For more information about your data rights please visit the Your Data Matters campaign at ico.org.uk
You can choose whether your confidential patient information is used for research and planning.
How your data is used
Your health and care information is used to improve your individual care. It is also used to help us research new treatments, decide where to put GP clinics and plan for the number of doctors and nurses in your local hospital. Wherever possible we try to use data that does not identify you, but sometimes it is necessary to use your confidential patient information.
What is confidential patient information?
Confidential patient information identifies you and says something about your health, care or treatment. You would expect this information to be kept private. Information that only identifies you, like your name and address, is not considered confidential patient information and may still be used: for example, to contact you if your GP practice is merging with another.
Who can use your confidential patient information for research and planning?
It is used by the NHS, local authorities, university and hospital researchers, medical colleges and pharmaceutical companies researching new treatments. Making your data opt-out choice You can choose to opt out of sharing your confidential patient information for research and planning.
There may still be times when your confidential patient information is used: for example, during an epidemic where there might be a risk to you or to other people’s health. You can also still consent to take part in a specific research project.
Will choosing this opt-out affect your care and treatment?
No, your confidential patient information will still be used for your individual care. Choosing to opt out will not affect your care and treatment. You will still be invited for screening services, such as screenings for bowel cancer.
What should you do next?
You do not need to do anything if you are happy about how your confidential patient information is used. If you do not want your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you can choose to opt out securely online or through a telephone service. You can change your choice at any time.
To find out more or to make your choice visit nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters or call 0300 303 5678