What is a privacy notice and why does it apply to me?
A Privacy Notice tells people how organisations use information that they hold about them. A law called the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) requires organisations to explain:
- What information they hold about you
- How they keep this information safe and secure
- How they use your information
- Who they share your information with
- What your rights are
- When the law allows them to use your information
Why does the law give permission to use my information?
The law allows the practice to use your information so they can look after your health and provide medical care. Health information is sensitive and private, so strict legal rules apply. The practice must have a legal reason (called a lawful basis) and follow special rules when handling health data.
About us
Queensway Medical Centre, Olympic Way, Wellingborough, is responsible for collecting and storing your information when you register as a patient. In law, this means the practice acts as a Data Controller.
What information do you hold about me?
The practice may hold information such as:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your contact details
- Information about your parent or guardian
- Your medical records
- Appointment records
- GP visits
- Treatments you have received
- Medicines prescribed to you
How do you keep it safe?
The practice must keep your information private and secure. They do this by:
- Using secure computer systems
- Locking paper records in secure places
- Protecting information with passwords
- Training staff to respect patient privacy
What do you do with my information?
Your information is mainly used to provide healthcare and look after your health. Sometimes information may need to be shared with organisations involved in your care.
Who else will see my information?
Usually only doctors, nurses and staff at the practice will see your information. It may also be shared with hospitals or specialists if you need further treatment. In some cases, organisations such as the police, courts, or social services may have a legal right to access your information.
What are my rights?
You have the right to:
- Ask to see the information the practice holds about you
- Ask for incorrect information to be corrected
- Ask the practice not to share your information in certain situations
Requests are usually answered within one month and are normally free of charge.
What if I have a question?
If you have any questions about your information, you can speak to a member of staff at the practice. The practice also has a Data Protection Officer (DPO) who can help with questions about patient information.
Complaints
If you are unhappy with how your information is handled, you can contact the Data Protection Officer first. If the issue is not resolved, you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Updates to this notice
This privacy notice was last updated on 18 July 2023 and will be reviewed again in July 2025.