This clinic recognises that all members of the team have an ethical and legal duty to keep patient information confidential. The relationship this clinic has with each patient is based on trust that information will not be given to external persons or organisations without the patient’s consent. All members of the clinic team are expected to comply with this policy and are advised to be aware of the confidentiality clause within their staff contract. Breaches of this policy could lead to dismissal.
Using information only for the purposes for which it was given.
Preventing information from being accidentally revealed.
Preventing unauthorised access by keeping information secure at all times.
Only in exceptional circumstances can a breach of confidentiality be justified.
Preventing breaches of confidentiality
We will keep all confidential data stored securely and will not allow it to be placed in areas where data may be seen by unauthorised personnel.
To a school about a child’s attendance.
To employers about a patient’s appointments.
To third parties about appointments or leave answering machine messages.
Only leave messages to return the clinic’s phone call.
Recall cards and other personal information will be sent in a sealed envelope.
If it is necessary to release information about a patient:
We will obtain the patient’s consent first, where possible and make sure they understand what information is being released, why and any likely consequences.
We will release the minimum required.
We will be prepared to justify our decisions and follow on action.
If we use patient information (eg. blood results, imaging reports) for teaching purposes we will gain the patient’s consent and ensure the patient cannot be identified from the information released.
Responsibility for disclosure rests with the patient’s doctor only. Under no circumstances will any other member of our staff make such a decision.
There may be some circumstances when the doctor feels it would be in the public interest to breach a patient’s confidentiality. In such cases we will seek advice from our indemnifier before releasing the patient’s information to a third party.
A court may order us to release information without the patient’s consent. If so, we will only release the minimum information.
We hold paper records at the clinic for up to 7 years. Records of patients who have last attended the clinic over 7 years ago will be confidentially destroyed. Patients have a right to see their records and we will meet any request within 40 days. A request from a patient to see records or for a copy must be referred to the patient’s doctor.
The patient should be given the opportunity of coming into the clinic to discuss the records and will then be given a hard copy.
These records include, but are not limited to: personal patient information, medical histories, examination records, radiographs, clinical photographs, treatment plans, treatment records, referral and consultation recommendations and reports, diagnostic models, and other related materials.
The cost for records is £15.00 for a paper version and free of charge for electronic.
For more information on this topic, speak with the clinic owner or clinic manager.
Useful organisations:
General Medical Council
Information Commissioners Office
Tap to Call
020 71832792
info@privatedoctor.london