Confidentiality

Brighton and Hove Federation complies with the Data Protection Act. We treat all information about our patients as confidential: whether it relates to a diagnosis, using our services, or being registered at one of our Practices. All patients can expect that their personal information will not be disclosed without their permission, except in the most exceptional of circumstances (e.g., if somebody is at grave risk of serious harm).

Various members of our team will need to access your medical records in the course of their duties. All staff adhere to the highest standards of maintaining confidentiality.

If you wish to discuss something of a particularly confidential nature, and do not feel comfortable doing this in our main Reception areas, please talk to our Receptionists, who will arrange for you to have the conversation in a more private setting.

Under 16s

The duty of confidentiality owed to people under 16 years of age is the same as for any other person. Young people aged under 16 years can choose to see a health professional without informing their parent(s) or carer(s). If a GP considers that the young person is competent to make decisions about their health, then the GP can give advice, prescribe medication, and treat the young person without seeking further consent. Our health professionals do, however, follow good practice and encourage young people to also discuss their issues with a parent or carer. As with older people, sometimes the law requires us to report information to appropriate authorities in order to protect young people or members of the public.

• Confidentiality NHS Code of Practice
• Confidentiality and Mental Health
• Confidentiality Guidance