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Looking after your information

Why information is collected about you

Doctors, nurses and other health professionals caring for you keep information about your health and the care you receive from the NHS. The information we hold may include:·

basic details such as your name, address and next of kin
contacts we have had with you such as clinic visits
notes and reports about your health and any treatment or care you needed
results of x-rays and laboratory tests

Why do we need your information?

Some of this information is used for statistical purposes and is carried out anonymously. This helps us to improve our services and plan for the future. We also need your information to ensure that:
·

you receive the best possible care
doctors, nurses or other healthcare professionals involved in your care have accurate information to assess your health and future care needs
full information is available should you see another doctor, or be referred to a specialist or another part of the NHS
to assess the type and quality of care you have received
your concerns can be properly investigated if you are not happy with the care you have received

How information about you is protected?

We have a legal duty to keep information about you confidential. Information about you can be given to your relatives, carers and friends only with your consent. You may receive care from other people as well as the NHS (like Social Services). We may need to share some information about you so we can all work together for your benefit. Anyone who receives such information is also under a legal duty of confidentiality.

We will only pass on information about you if there is a genuine need. We will not disclose your information to third parties, unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as when the health or safety of others is at risk or where the law requires information to be passed on.

How can you access your health records?

Under the Data Protection Act 1998 with Access to Health Records Act 1990
The Act gives every living person, or their authorised representative, the right to apply for access to their health records and to obtain copies.

How to obtain copies of your records

To obtain copies of records under the responsibility of NHS Cambridgeshire, you will need to write to Amanda Holloway, contact details below. Should you be writing on behalf of someone else, they will need to provide written confirmation that you are authorised to do so on their behalf. A form for either yourself or for someone you are acting on behalf of, can be obtained from the address below. A fee is chargeable to both view health records or to obtain copies (up to a maximum of £50).

Should you have any queries relating to Access to Records please contact Amanda Holloway or write to her at NHS Cambridgeshire, Lockton House, Clarendon Road, Cambridgeshire CB2 8FH.

Under most circumstances, you are entitled to receive a copy of your records. However, you should be aware that in some cases your right to see some details in your health records may be limited in your own interest or for other reasons which will be explained to you.

Please note that a charge will usually be made. The application to access your records can be made by you in writing, or a person authorised by you in writing, or a person appointed by a court has decided that you are not able to do so yourself.