GDPR/Your Data

Confidentiality and Consent

All patients are entitled to have their personal and medical information kept confidential. At Parkwood Surgery, we take data protection and patient privacy seriously, and all staff are trained to handle your information appropriately and securely.

We will only share your information with other healthcare professionals when it is necessary for your care – for example, if we refer you to hospital or another service involved in your treatment.

Sharing Information with family members or carers

We understand that family members or carers may wish to be involved in your care. However, we cannot discuss your medical information with anyone else unless you have given us your written consent, or unless we are legally required to do so.

If you would like us to share information a a named person, please complete our Consent to Disclose Form and return it to the surgery.

Please be advised that we may request proof of ID of either party.

You can change or withdraw your consent at any time by contacting the surgery.

If you are concerned about confidentiality

If you believe that your confidentiality has been breached, please contact the surgery as soon as possible so we can investigate and take appropriate action.

How we use your information

We use your personal information to:

  • Provide safe and effective medical care
  • Manage appointments, referrals, and prescriptions
  • Communicate with other NHS services involved in your care
  • Meet our legal and contractual obligations

We only collect information that is necessary, and we keep it secure in line with data protection legislation.

Privacy Notices

Our Privacy Notices explain in detail how we collect, use, store, and share your information, and your rights under data protection law.

Please see the relevant notices below:

For national guidance, you can also visit: NHS GDPR Guidance – NHS Digital

Statement of Intent

Parkwood Surgery is committed to using secure NHS systems to manage patient information safely and effectively. We follow national requirements for the use of digital systems that support patient care, access to records, and appropriate data sharing.

These systems include:

  • Secure GP-GP record transfers
  • Online access to GP records
  • Use of data for commissioning and approved secondary care purposes
  • The NHS Summary Care Record (SCR)

Our arrangements are reviewed regularly to ensure the remain safe, appropriate, and compliant with current guidance.

GP to GP Record Transfers

When you register with a new GP practice, your electronic medical record is securely transferred using the NHS GP2GP system. This allows your new practice to receive your medical information quickly and safely.

Using GP2GP:

  • Reduces delays in accessing your medical history
  • Helps your new GP provide continuity of care
  • Is more secure than paper-based transfers

Paper records may still follow separately and can take longer to arrive.

Parkwood Surgery confirms that GP to GP transfers are active, and we send and receive patient records through this system where applicable.

Information about GP2GP transfers

GP to GP records transfers are carried out by using GP2GP, a secure system provided by NHS England.

This system is designed to transfer electronic medical records between GP practices in England only. It is not compatible with:

  • GP practices outside England
  • International healthcare providers
  • Private or non-NHS providers

If you have previously been registered with a GP outside of England or received care overseas, some records may need to be provided separately. In these cases, we may ask you for additional information, or copies of letters regarding your care, to ensure your medical history is up to date.

Patient Online Access to Their GP Record

We offer online services that allow you to:

  • Order repeat prescriptions
  • View recent blood tests
  • View parts of your medical record

Access is available via the NHS App.

Data for commissioning and other secondary care purposes

The NHS may use patient data to help plan and improve health service, monitor quality, and support commissioning decisions. This is known as secondary use of data.

Any data shared for these purposes is handled in line with national guidance and strict data protection standards.

You have the right to opt out of your confidential patient information being used for purposes beyond your individual care. Further information about opting out is available on our website and via NHS England Digital.

Parkwood Surgery confirms that appropriate safeguards are in place and that staff undertake regular training and audits to ensure data is handled safely and through the NHS Information Governance Toolkit.

Summary Care Record

Having this information in one place helps healthcare professionals provide safer care, particularly:

  • In an emergency
  • When you are treated outside of normal surgery hours
  • If you are seen by a clinician unfamiliar with your history

This information can help clinicians make safer decisions, for example when prescribing medication.

Who can see my Summary Care Record?

Only authorised healthcare professionals involved in your care can access your Summary Care Record.

Do I have to have one?

No. A Summary Care Record is not compulsory. If you do not wish to have one, you can choose to opt out.

Further information is available on the NHS Care records website.