Summary

This practice handles medical records in line with laws on data protection and confidentiality.

• We share your medical records with healthcare professionals involved in your care.
• We may share records for medical research and to help plan health services.
• We share information when the law requires us to, for example, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• You have the right to get a copy of your medical record.
• You have the right to object to your data being shared for care, research, or planning.
• You have the right to have any mistakes corrected and to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office.

How and why we share your information

The data in your medical record is used to ensure you get the best possible care. It is shared with other healthcare professionals who are directly involved in your treatment.

It is also shared with other organisations to support health and care planning and research.

Population Health Management

This practice takes part in Population Health Management, an NHS programme to improve the health of the entire population. To do this, we share de-identified information (where your name, NHS number, and other identifiers are removed) with other local health and social care organisations. This allows us to see patterns and plan better services for everyone in the area. This information is held securely and is only used for health and care planning.

Your right to choose (Data Opt-Out)

You have the right to choose if your data is used for research and planning. There are two types of opt-out available:

1. Type 1 Opt-Out (This Practice Only)

If you do not want your data to be shared by this GP practice for research and planning, you can request a "Type 1 Opt-Out" form. This means we will not share your data for any purpose other than your direct care.

You can get the form from our reception team, or download it here to print and bring to us.

2. National Data Opt-Out (All NHS Data)

The NHS holds data from all your health interactions (including hospitals). If you do not want your confidential patient information to be shared by NHS Digital for research and planning, you can register a National Data Opt-Out.

You can manage your choice in the following ways:

• Online: Visit the NHS website at
  www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters
• By phone: Call the NHS Digital Contact Centre on 0300 303 5678 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

If you do not register an opt-out, your information may be used for research and planning. You can change your choice at any time.

Who to contact about your data

Data controller

The organisation responsible for looking after your personal data isAbbamoor. This means we are the "Data Controller".

If you have any questions about how your data is used, or if you want to exercise your rights (like seeing or correcting your records), you can contact us in the following ways:

• By Post:
  Abbamoor

  Harold Hill Health Centre

  Gooshays Drive

  Harold Hill

  Romford

  RM3 9SU
• By phone: +44 (0)1708 957100
• In person: Please speak to our Practice Manager or the reception team.

Data Protection Officer (DPO)

We also have a Data Protection Officer who provides expert advice on handling patient data. If you have a specific data protection concern, you can also contact our DPO.

• Name: NHS NEL DPO
• Email: nelondonicb.ig@nhs.net

Accessing your medical records

Only authorised members of the practice team (like doctors, nurses, and reception staff) have access to your full records.

You can request access to your own medical records. To do this, please contact our reception staff.