Patient Information

Managing the data

We need to be able to move electronic information from system to system, extracting the data and modifying it for the next system. Occasionally, tests will need to be made on the data to check that it has been transferred correctly. This will only be done under carefully controlled conditions and all employees and contractors will be under strict contractual obligations to protect your confidentiality.

Other Agencies
The NHS is not the only government service to provide you with care, and it will be necessary for us to provide other agencies with appropriate information, but only with your consent (or that of your relatives if you are too ill).

How we protect your information
The sensitivity of patient information is well understood within the NHS. All staff and contractors are trained to respect their duty of confidentiality to you, and have this written in their contracts.

We keep paper and electronic records securely to prevent unauthorised access or misuse. Wherever practicable, we remove references to personal details such as your name and address, and often restrict it further to reduce the chances of anyone identifying a record as relating to you.

What else?
You can have a say in how the NHS uses information about you and we are required by law to allow you access to your medical records. Requests to view your medical records may be made in writing or speak to your doctor or our Business Manager. We are allowed by law to charge a fee to cover our administration and costs. If you want to find out more or have any concerns, please contact the Business Manager. Further information is available on the NHS Scotland web-site:

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/organisations