Data and Privacy
Your Data Matters to the NHS
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Information about your health and care helps us to improve your individual care, speed up diagnosis, plan your local services and research new treatments. The NHS is committed to keeping patient information safe and always being clear about how it is used.
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How your data is used
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Information about your individual care such as treatment and diagnoses is collected about you whenever you use health and care services. It is also used to help us and other organisations for research and planning such as research into new treatments, deciding where to put GP clinics and planning for the number of doctors and nurses in your local hospital. It is only used in this way when there is a clear legal basis to use the information to help improve health and care for you, your family and future generations.
Wherever possible we try to use data that does not identify you, but sometimes it is necessary to use your confidential patient information.
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You have a choice
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You do not need to do anything if you are happy about how your information is used. If you do not want your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you can choose to opt out securely online or through a telephone service. You can change your mind about your choice at any time.
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Will choosing this opt-out affect your care and treatment?
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No, choosing to opt out will not affect how information is used to support your care and treatment. You will still be invited for screening services, such as screenings for bowel cancer.
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What do you need to do?
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If you are happy for your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you do not need to do anything.
To find out more about the benefits of data sharing, how data is protected, or to make/change your opt-out choice visit www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters
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Online access to your medical record
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You can now access your notes electronically. The partners of Court Street Medical Practice believe that bulk switching on does not offer the proper safeguards and have made our feelings clear to the ICB. We have been reluctantly forced to take this action and have informed the ICB that we do not take responsibility for any breaches of the Data Protection Act 2018 which result from this action. Should any issues occur, you should contact Shropshire & Telford ICB directly on 01952 580300 or email: stw.generalenquiries@nhs.net
Please understand that access to your notes may include seeing medical test results as they arrive from the lab and, therefore, out of context. We ask you to use caution and common sense when viewing your notes. One abnormal test does not necessarily make a diagnosis.
Summary care record
There is a new Central NHS Computer System called the Summary Care Record (SCR). It is an electronic record which contains information about the medicines you take, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had.
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Why do I need a Summary Care Record?
Storing information in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed. This information could make a difference to how a doctor decides to care for you, for example which medicines they choose to prescribe for you.
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Who can see it?
Only healthcare staff involved in your care can see your Summary Care Record.
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How do I know if I have one?
Over half of the population of England now have a Summary Care Record. You can find out whether Summary Care Records have come to your area by looking at our interactive map or by asking your GP
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Do I have to have one?
No, it is not compulsory. If you choose to opt out of the scheme, then you will need to complete a form and bring it along to the surgery. You can use the form at the foot of this page.
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More Information
For further information visit the NHS Care records website