We take patient confidentiality extremely seriously. Everyone working for the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential.

All your personal and medical details are kept secret and will not be released unless you give your permission, with the following exceptions:

• With the consent of the patient, eg if you require a medical report or your records are to be sent to a third party such as a solicitor or insurance company.
• When letters are sent to other medical personnel ie when a referral to a hospital or specialist is made. However, they will also keep your information entirely confidential.
• If we think your health, wellbeing and safety is at risk we may be obliged to tell someone else, for example Social Services or other agencies. If this is necessary, the doctor/nurse must tell you first before passing on any information.
• If the law requires it, eg in notifying certain illnesses in order to protect the health of the public generally.

Our practice provides confidential help, information and support.

Even if you are under 16, doctors and nurses still have to keep anything you tell them private, just as they would for an adult.