The days when doctors wrote in Latin to keep their notes secret are long gone. Most GPs explain what they are writing in your notes. Computer terminals are found on almost all surgery desks. Doctors and healthcare workers take confidentiality very seriously.
Your employer cannot demand sight of your notes or even any medical information about you unless you give permission.
Insurance companies and solicitors cannot see any part of your medical history unless you allow them access.
Test results, such as HIV status or pregnancy, will not be released to anyone without your consent.
You have a right of access to your health records.
You are entitled by law, to have access to your medical records which were written after 1st November 1991. You must apply in writing and a charge of £10 plus photocopying fees will be made. The Doctor is entitled to withhold any information which he/she considers could be detrimental to you.
EVERYONE WORKING FOR THE NHS HAS A LEGAL DUTY TO KEEP INFORMATION ABOUT YOU CONFIDENTIAL.
You may be receiving care from other people as well as the NHS. So that we can all work together for your benefit we may need to share some information about you. We only ever use or pass on information about you if people have a genuine need for it in your and everyone's interests. Whenever we can we shall remove details which identify you.
Anyone who receives information from us is also under a legal duty to keep it confidential.
If you agree, your relatives, friends and carers will be kept up to date with the progress of your treatment.