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Patient confidentiality and Access to Health Records
The use and protection of patient data, developing a confidentiality service, Caldicott Guardians, Access to Health Records, links to Advisory Group work and Frequently Asked Questions.
Patient confidentiality
Overview of the legal and ethical obligations of confidentiality, the NHS Code of Practice on Confidentiality, guidance for NHS Caldicott guardians and the implementation of the 1997 Caldicott Report.
Access to Health Records
Patients have a right of access to health information about themselves. This page provides guidance on the processes to access both living and deceased patient information.
Frequently asked questions about accessing health records
Answers to questions and about viewing individuals’ health records.
Useful links, publications and legislation
Additional information about patient confidentiality covering areas of legislation, regulation and guidance.
Advisory groups
Patient Information Advisory Group (PIAG)
The Group, representing patient groups, healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies, will make sure patients' rights are maintained when the NHS and other health-related organisations use medical information about them.
The Health Records and Data Protection Review Group
Terms of reference, meeting agenda and minutes, papers and research.
Social Care Information Governance Group (SCIG)
Terms of reference for the Group are to oversee the development and delivery of the Social Care IG Toolkit interface, and the Social Care Confidentiality Code of Practice. This should provide clear confidentiality guidance to Social Care staff who process person identifiable information. The Group is also responsible for overseeing and managing the work undertaken by the SCIG Reference Group. This group will comprise regional Social Care representatives and report to the SCIG Working Group. Their expertise will be sought to help develop both the NHS/Social Care Code of Practice and the Social Care IG Toolkit.
Additional links
The NHS Confidentiality Code of Practice
Guidelines on the use and protection of patient information, November 2003.
NHS Care Record Guarantee
The NHS will use records about you in ways that respect your rights and promote your health and wellbeing.
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