In order to provide the right level of care, we are required to hold personal information about you on our computer systems and in paper records to help us to look after your health needs, and your doctor is responsible for their accuracy and safe-keeping. Please help to keep your record up to date by informing us of any changes to your circumstances.

Confidentiality and Personal Information

Doctors and staff in the practice have access to your medical records to enable them to do their jobs. From time to time information may be shared with others involved in your care if it is necessary. Anyone with access to your record is properly trained in confidentiality issues and is governed by both legal and contractual duty to keep your details private.

All information about you is held securely and appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent accidental loss.

In some circumstances we may be required by law to release your details to statutory or other official bodies, for example if a court order is presented, or in the case of public health issues. In other circumstance you may be required to give written consent before information is released – such as for medical reports for insurance, solicitors etc.

To ensure your privacy, we will not disclose information over the telephone or fax unless we are sure that we are talking to you. Information will not be disclosed to family, friends or spouses unless we have prior written consent, and we do not, leave messages with others.

You have a right to see your records if you wish. Please ask at reception if you would like further details about our patient information leaflet. An appointment may be required. In some circumstances a fee may be payable.

Scott Arms Medical Practice has a Data Protection Officer (DPO) to meet the legal requirement set out in the UK-General Data Protection Regulations (UK-GDPR). This can be someone internal or external to the organisation who has expert knowledge of data protection law and practices.

From 1 May 2023 the Data Protection Officer for the practice is:

Michelle Wiles, Information Governance Manager

Contact address: Information Governance Team, Civic Centre, St Peters Square, Wolverhampton. Wv1 1SH.

Email: bcicb.dpo@nhs.net  (This is a generic email address, if this is regarding Scott Arms Medical Centre please add this in the subject line)