Confidentiality and Personal Information Policy
To deliver safe and effective care, Ashwell Medical Centre is required to hold personal information about you within our secure electronic systems and paper records. This information is essential for supporting your healthcare needs, and your registered GP is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and secure handling of these records. We kindly ask that you notify us promptly of any changes to your personal details so that your record remains current.
Access to Your Information
All doctors and authorised practice staff may access your medical record when necessary to carry out their duties. On occasion, information may be shared with other healthcare professionals directly involved in your treatment where this is required to support your care. Anyone with access to your information is bound by strict legal, ethical, and contractual obligations to maintain confidentiality.
Your information is stored securely, and robust safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorised access, misuse, or accidental loss.
Information Sharing and Legal Requirements
In certain situations, we may be legally obliged to release information to statutory or official bodies—for example, when required by a court order or in relation to public health concerns. In all other circumstances, your explicit written consent will be required before disclosing information to third parties, such as insurers or solicitors.
To protect your privacy, we do not disclose confidential information by telephone or fax unless we have verified your identity. We do not share information with family members, friends, or partners without prior written consent, and we do not leave personal messages with others.
Access to Your Medical Records
You have a legal right to view your medical records. If you wish to do so, please speak with our reception team for further information or to request our patient information leaflet.
Ashwell Medical Centre Management Team