Confidentiality
We are properly registered as data users under the Data Protection Act. As such, personal records are held in both computer and paper form. For your present and future treatment, your personal and care details will be documented. This may be on paper (your medical records) or on a computer database. At all times great care is taken to ensure that high standards of confidentiality are maintained in respect of records held.
We use the information, which we hold on patients for their benefit – e.g. reviewing and monitoring patients with a particular condition. We may also use the information for other reasons such as internal practice research, audits, training and planning purposes. All staff are bound by the current Data Protection Act and confidentiality is maintained at all times. The Act gives you the right of access to your information, held on paper and electronically. You may ask to see your records about your health.
Please note that in order to cover administration costs a fee may be payable for this service. All charges are laid down in the Data Protection Act. From time to time, staff from NHS Lothian may join our own staff to help us review and update our systems.
In order to carry out this work a small number of NHS Lothian staff may to be given access to patient information. They are each bound by patient confidentiality agreements.
The Freedom of Information Act (Scotland) Act 2002
This Act recognises that members of the public have a right to know how public services are organised and run. Newbattle Medical Practice is obliged under the Act to respond to requests about recorded information that it holds. The Act creates a right of access to that information, subject to certain exemptions. If you would like more information on your right to access information under either of these Acts please ask to speak to the Practice Manager who will be happy to discuss your query.