We collect personal confidential information about you which will be used to support the delivery of appropriate, high quality care and treatment. Your information is known as your personal data. We process your data to help us deliver our services in fulfilment of our public task of delivering health care. Where we are doing so to fulfil a statutory function, we do so on the basis of fulfilling a legal obligation.
These records for both patient and staff may include:
- Name, address, email address, telephone/mobile number, date of birth, next of kin.
- Contact we have had, such as appointments and home visits.
- Details and records of treatment and care, including notes and reports about your health
- Medical Results e.g. x-rays, blood tests, etc.
- Photos or videos used as part of your care
- Information from people who care for you and know you well, such as health professionals and relatives who are linked to the patient’s care. This includes information on expectant mothers so we can plan visits to new born children and where we need to access records for safeguarding purposes.
Your medical information is known as special category data. Your records may also include other special category data, such as your sexuality, race or religious beliefs.
When we process your special category data, we do so to provide a medical diagnosis; for the purpose of health or social care or treatment or the management of health or social care systems and services. We may check patient information against the national NHS Spine to ensure the details are correct, for example when the Trust commissions other providers to provide direct care. We may also use your data for research purposes (see How We Use Information).
It is important for us to have a complete picture as this information assists staff involved in your care to develop care plans, deliver appropriate treatment and deliver and provide improved care.
Your data will be collected by software providers who act as data processors, providing technology which helps us provide you with a quality service e.g. internet providers. They cannot use your data, the data is passed to us and we ensure they have adequate security in place to protect your confidentiality.