General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
What is GDPR?
GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulations and is a new piece of legislation that will run alongside Data Protection Act. It will not only apply to the UK and EU; it covers anywhere in the world in which data about EU citizens is processed.
You can find out more about the GDPR here:
The GDPR is similar to the Data Protection Act (DPA) 1998 (which the practice already complies with), but strengthens many of the DPA’s principles. The main changes are:
• Practices must comply with subject access requests
• Where we needs your consent to process data, this consent must be freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous
• There are new, special protections for patient data
• The Information Commissioner’s Office must be notified within 72 hours of a data breach
• Higher fines for data breaches – up to 20 million euros
You can view our detailed privacy notices below:
PRIVACY NOTICE detailed – Updated Nov 2020
National Data Opt-out
The NHS wants to make sure you and your family have the best care now and in the future. To do this, we may use your confidential patient information to make care better and safer for everyone.
Confidential Patient Information
Confidential patient information identifies you and says something about your health care or treatment. You would expect this information to be kept private. Information that only identifies you like your name and address is not confidential patient information and may still be used even if you choose to opt out. For example, to contact you if your GP practice is merging with another.
Using Your Confidential Patient Information
Your confidential patient information is used to help with your treatment and care.
Confidential patient information is also used to:
- plan and improve health and care services, and
- research and develop cures for serious illnesses
Where You Have a Choice
If you have not set an opt-out, your confidential patient information can be used for research and planning. If you don’t want your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you can opt of out this.
If you do opt out, your decision will not affect your individual treatment and care. You can also change your mind anytime you like. If you do not wish to opt out, you don’t have to do anything at all.
For more information about how your patient information is used please click on this link Your Data Matters to the NHS digital leaflet