Confidentiality
The Practice complies with Data Protection and Access to Medical Records legislation. Identifiable information about you will be shared with others in the following circumstances:
- To provide further medical treatment for you e.g. from district nurses and hospital services.
- To help you get other services e.g. from the social work department. This requires your consent.
- When we have a duty to others e.g. in child protection cases anonymised patient information will also be used at local and national level to help the Health Board and Government plan services e.g. for diabetic care.
If you do not wish anonymous information about you to be used in such a way, please let us know.
Reception and administration staff require access to your medical records in order to do their jobs. These members of staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the medical staff
Access to Medical Records
Under the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), patients can request to obtain access to their records that we hold at the Practice. Please contact the Practice for further information.
Online Booking of GP Appointments and Access to the Summary Care Record
From March 2015 the Practice has set up the facility for patients to book GP appointments and view their summary record online.
Patients who are currently registered as users should already be able to access these services.
If you would like to be able to order your repeat prescriptions, book or cancel appointments and view your summary record please leave your details with reception and we will arrange for an account to be activated.
The booking of GP and eventually Advanced Nurse Practitioner appointments will be monitored for suitability as these appointments should not be booked for non-urgent queries that could be dealt with over the phone or by another professional within the practice.
Private Room
A private room is available to speak to a member of staff in confidence at patient’s request.
Data Protection
Under the Data Protection Act 1998 patients’ medical records are confidential and will not be discussed with anyone without the patient’s permission and written consent. Patients have the right to view their medical records under the Act.
All patients’ records, whether in hard copy or computerised, are kept securely to prevent unauthorised access. The practice is registered under the Data Protection Act 1998 and abides by all statutory requirements regarding confidentiality, whilst following the NHS Information Governance Department’s guidelines and regulations.
Sharing and Disclosure of Patient Confidential Information
The Ingham Practice requests and maintains relevant personal information related to patients to ensure that they receive treatment, care and advice that is right for them. This is recorded either on paper or computer files as part of continuing health and social care services.
Authorised third parties who receive patient identifiable and confidential information from the Practice are under a legal duty to follow the NHS strict confidentiality guidelines. All Practice staff members are required to follow the Practice codes of conduct which form part of their contracts of employment.
Sharing of patients’ information to an authorised third party eg referrals and medical reports, is strictly governed by the NHS Information Governance Department and the NHS guidelines for confidentiality. These are produced in accordance with legislation and good practice and are designed to protect patients’ rights.
If appropriate, the Practice will seek a patient’s consent before the disclosure of their confidential information.
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The Ingham Practice is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Further information relating to CQC standards are available on their website:
CQC contact details are:
Tel: 03000 616161
CQC inspection visit took place on 26 September 2016 at the Ingham Practice.
CQC Report