Easy Read Privacy Information

 

How we use your information

We keep information about you to help look after your health.

 

Why we keep your information

Doctors and nurses must keep records about your health.

This helps us:

Know your medical history

Give you the right treatment

Keep you safe

Work with other services that care for you 

 

What information we keep

Your record may include:

Your name, address and date of birth

Your NHS number

Phone number and email

Details of your appointments

Notes about your health

Test results

Medicines and allergies

Letters from hospitals

Care plans

 

How we use your information-We use your information to:

Treat you

Arrange appointments

Work with other health professionals

Improve services

Keep people safe

Keeping your information safe

Your information is private.

 

We keep it safe by:

Storing it securely

Only allowing staff who need it to see it

Using protected computer systems

Training staff about confidentiality

Everyone in the NHS must keep your information confidential.

 

Online services we use

PATCHS — Contacting us online

You can contact us online using PATCHS.

You can:

Ask medical questions

Request appointments

Send forms or photos

Ask about prescriptions

Information you send may be added to your medical record. 

 

Accurx — Messages

We may send you text messages or emails using Accurx.

Sometimes it helps doctors write notes from appointments.

Your doctor checks these notes before saving them.

 

Abtrace — Help with long-term conditions

This system helps doctors find patients who may need extra support or check-ups.

Doctors still make all decisions about your care.

 

Anima — Managing documents

Anima helps staff manage letters and forms safely.

It helps us:

Receive hospital letters

Send documents to the right staff member

Keep your records up to date

It does NOT decide your treatment. 

 

Sharing your information for your care

We may share information with other services helping to care for you, such as:

Hospitals

Other GP practices

Pharmacies

Dentists and opticians

Ambulance services

Social care teams

We only share what is needed.

 

Summary Care Record (SCR

This is a national NHS record used in emergencies.

It tells healthcare staff about:

Your medicines

Your allergies

Bad reactions to medicines

You can choose not to have one. 

 

Local shared records

In urgent situations, doctors or nurses may look at part of your record to help treat you safely.

Only authorised staff can see it.

 

Research

Sometimes we may invite you to join research studies.

You do NOT have to take par

Saying no will NOT affect your car

Your details are not shared unless you agree

You can ask us not to contact you about research.

 

Safeguarding

Very rarely, we may share information to protect someone from serious harm, especially children or vulnerable adults.

 

How long we keep your records

Health records are usually kept for many years so we can care for you safely.

Your rights

You have the right to:

See your records

Ask us to correct mistakes

Ask questions about your information

 

Make a complaint

We will help you understand your rights.

Keeping your details up to date

Please tell us if your address, phone number, or email changes.

You can also update details using the NHS App.

 

How we contact you

If you give us your phone number or email, we may send:

Appointment reminders

Health check invitations

Important updates

You can ask us to stop these messages.

 

Digital safety

We use computer systems to help care for you safely.

A trained healthcare professional checks that these systems are safe to use.

 

Who is responsible for your information

The GP Practice is responsible for keeping your information safe.

 

If you have questions or worries

Please speak to the practice staff. We are happy to help.

 

You can also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

Telephone: 0303 123 1113

Website: www.ico.org.uk

 

When this information was last updated

March 2026