Confidentiality

The health professionals caring for you keep records about your health and the treatment you receive from the National Heath Service. These records play an important part in ensuring that you receive the best possible care from us.

Everyone working in the NHS has a legal duty to maintain the highest level of confidentiality about patient information. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as the health and safety of others being put at risk, we will not disclose your information to third parties without your permission.

Sometimes the law requires that we report certain information, but that is only done after formal authority has been given by a qualified health professional. Examples include reporting infectious diseases that may endanger the safety of others, such as meningitis or measles, but not HIV/AIDS.

How to access your medical records

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you are entitled to see information on your health. If you wish to do so write to the Health Records Manager at the address below who will make the necessary arrangements for copying the notes and making them available to you. There is a small charge made for this service.

Health Records Manager
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Dorset County Hospital
Dorchester DT1 2JY

or email: anita.thomas@dchft.nhs.uk