GDPR

Our GP practice keeps information about your health so we can give you the best care.
This includes things like:

• Your name, address, and contact details
• Details of your appointments
• Notes about your health and treatment
• Test results (like blood tests or X‑rays)
• Information from other health workers who help care for you

Your information may be on a computer, on paper, or both.
We keep it safe and private at all times.

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How your information is used

We use your information to:

• Help look after your health
• Make sure you get the right treatment
• Check the quality of our services
• Help the NHS plan care for everyone

Sometimes, your information may be used anonymously (your name removed)
for things like planning or statistics.
You cannot be identified from this.

If your information is ever needed for research, we will ask your permission first.

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Risk Stratification

Risk stratification helps the NHS find people who may become unwell in the future,
so we can offer extra help.
Your information is made anonymous first, then your GP receives your score.
You can choose to opt out if you do not want this.

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Medicines Management

Your medicines may be checked to make sure:

• They are safe
• They are right for you
• They are up to date

This helps keep you healthy.

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Keeping your information safe

We follow strict laws and rules to protect your information, including:

• Data Protection laws
• NHS confidentiality rules
• Human Rights laws

Everyone who works for the NHS must keep information about you private.

We only share your information if:

• It is important for your care
• The law says we must
• There is a serious risk to you or someone else

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Who we may share your information with

We may share your information with:

• Hospitals
• Other GPs
• Dentists, opticians, pharmacists
• NHS support teams
• Ambulance services
• Social care
• Local authorities
• Police or courts (only when required by law)
• Other health and care services

We only share what is needed, and only when necessary.

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Your rights

You can:

• Ask to see the information we hold about you
• Ask for mistakes to be corrected
• Ask how your information is used
• Ask us not to share your data in some situations

We must reply within one month.

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If you have a complaint

If you are unhappy with how your information is used:

1. For more information on how to raise a concern Click here
2. If still unhappy, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
   • Website: www.ico.org.uk
   • Phone: 0303 123 1113

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Keeping your details up to date

Please tell us if your:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Date of birth
  are wrong or have changed.

This helps us keep your records correct.

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Who is responsible for your data?

• Data Controller:
  Highparks Medical Practice
  Parkside, Cliffe Woods, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8HX
• Data Protection Officer:
  Jessica O’Nions – Practice Manager

You can read our Privacy Notices (information about how we use your data) in the waiting areas at all our practice sites.

• If you would like your own copy, you can:
  ✅ Print them from the links below, or
  ✅ Ask for a copy at reception

Practice Policies

Your data matters to the NHS

The NHS uses information about your health to:

• Give you the best care
• Help diagnose illnesses faster
• Plan local services
• Research new treatments

The NHS keeps your information safe and is open about how it is used.

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How your data is used

When you use any health service, information about your care is recorded.
This might include:

• Your treatments
• Your test results
• Your diagnoses

This information is also used to:

• Plan where new health services are needed
• Decide how many doctors and nurses are needed
• Help research better medicines and treatments

The NHS tries to use anonymous data (data that doesn’t identify you) whenever possible.
Sometimes, your confidential information is needed to help with research and planning.

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You have a choice

You can decide whether the NHS uses your confidential patient information for:

• Research
• Planning services

You do not need to do anything if you are happy with this.

If you do not want your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you can opt out online or by phone.
You can change your mind at any time.

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Will opting out affect your care?

No.
Your choice will not affect:

• The care you receive
• Your treatment
• Invitations for important screening tests (like bowel cancer screening)

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What do you need to do?

✅ If you are happy for your data to be used — you don’t need to do anything.
✅ If you want to opt out or Click to learn more Your Data Matters

There you can:

• Read how data is protected
• Make or change your choice
• Download the patient leaflet

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Summary Care Record (SCR)

The NHS also has something called a Summary Care Record.

This is a small electronic record that includes:

• The medicines you take
• Any allergies you have
• Any bad reactions you’ve had to medicines

This helps doctors, nurses, and pharmacists treat you safely, especially in emergencies.

Why do I need a Summary Care Record?

A Summary Care Record keeps important health information about you in one safe place.
This helps doctors and nurses treat you quickly and safely, especially:

• In an emergency, or
• When your GP practice is closed

It can help the doctor choose the right medicines and avoid anything you may be allergic to.

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Who can see it?

• Only healthcare staff involved in your care can look at your Summary Care Record.
• No one else can see it.

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Do I have one already?

Many people in England already have a Summary Care Record.
You can check by:

• Asking your GP practice, or
• Checking your area on the NHS website’s interactive map

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Do I have to have one?

• No.
  You can choose if you want a Summary Care Record or not.
• If you do not want one, you can opt out. Complete ‘OPT OUT’ form and bring to the surgery