Everyone who works for the NHS or anyone receiving information from us has a legal duty to keep patient related information strictly confidential. You may be receiving care from other agencies as well as the NHS, such as the Social Services.
To give you the best care we may need to share some information about you. We will only pass on information about you if others involved in your care have a genuine need for it. In such cases only relevant information will be given.
We will not disclose any information to third parties without your express permission, unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as when the health and safety of others is at risk.
We are required by law to report certain information to the appropriate authorities. Occasions when we are obliged to pass on information include:
- Notification of new births
- Infectious diseases which may endanger the safety of others such as meningitis or measles (but not HIV/Aids)
- If a formal court order has been issued
The law strictly controls the sharing of some types of very sensitive personal information by means of:
-
Data Protection Act 1998
-
Human Rights Act 1998
- Computer Misuse Act 1990
- Caldicott Guidelines for the NHS