Confidentiality in GP and Clinical Consultations

 

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Your privacy matters

When you speak to a GP, nurse, or other healthcare professional, the information you share is private. All clinical consultations are bound by strict principles of confidentiality, which means your personal and medical information is protected.

Confidentiality helps you to:

  • Speak openly and honestly
  • Receive safe and effective care
  • Trust your healthcare team
 

How your information is kept confidential

All healthcare professionals must follow:

  • NHS confidentiality rules
  • The Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
  • Professional codes of practice (e.g. GMC, NMC standards)

This means:

  • Your records are stored securely
  • Only authorised staff can access them
  • Information is only shared when necessary
 

Who may see your information

Your information is shared only with people who need it for your care, such as:

  • GPs and practice nurses
  • Hospital doctors or specialists
  • Community healthcare teams

We may also use limited information to:

  • Plan and improve services
  • Carry out audits or training (often anonymised)
 

When information might be shared without your consent

In most cases, we will ask your permission before sharing your information. However, there are rare situations where we may need to share it without your consent, including:

  • If there is a serious risk to your safety or others
  • To protect a child or vulnerable adult
  • If required by law or a court order

Where possible, we will always try to inform you first.

 

Your rights and choices

You have important rights over your information. You can:

  • Ask how your information is used
  • Request access to your medical records
  • Ask for incorrect details to be corrected
  • Request limits on how your information is shared

Please speak to a member of staff if you have any concerns.

 

Confidentiality for young people

Young people have the same right to confidentiality as adults.

If you are under 16

You can speak to a GP or nurse confidentially if they believe you understand:

  • The information being discussed
  • The treatment being offered

This is sometimes called “Gillick competence”.

What this means

  • Your consultation will be kept private
  • Information will not be shared with parents or carers without your permission
  • You can ask questions and make decisions about your care
 

When might confidentiality be broken?

A doctor or nurse may need to share information if they are concerned that:

  • You or someone else is at risk of serious harm
  • You are being abused or neglected
  • Your safety cannot be protected otherwise

In most cases, they will try to discuss this with you first.

 

Encouraging support

Although your care is confidential, healthcare professionals may encourage you to:

  • Talk to a parent, carer, or trusted adult
  • Seek support from someone close to you

This is to help ensure you are fully supported.

 

Keeping your information safe

We take security seriously:

  • Electronic records are protected with secure systems
  • Staff are trained in confidentiality
  • Paper records are stored safely
 

Questions or concerns

If you have any questions about confidentiality, please ask a member of staff.

You can also contact:

 

Summary

  • Your consultations are private and confidential
  • Information is shared only when necessary
  • You have rights and choices about your information
  • Young people can access confidential care

Your trust is important to us. Please speak to us if you have any concerns.