Confidentiality

Confidentiality
Services Users, their carers and families have a right to expect that personal information given in confidence will be used only for the purposes for which it was originally given. The information will only be shared with people who are involved in the care of the service user so that everyone can work together to the benefit of each individual. Information will only be shared with others where they have a genuine need for this information.
Information will not be disclosed to unauthorised third parties without consent unless in very exceptional circumstances such as when the health and safety of the individual or others is at risk or where there is a legal requirement to pass on information. Full details about how we use information can be obtained in our leaflet entitled “Your Information - What You Need to Know”
All staff working in the Trust and also in other agencies have legal, professional and ethical duties to maintain confidentiality of information. The Trust has developed policies and procedures for guidance for staff to enable them to adhere to legislation such as the Data Protection Act and also National Guidance. Further information on issues relating to confidentiality can be found in the “Confidentiality: NHS Code of Practice” which can be located on the Department of Health website.
Information is now held electronically or in paper format and systems are put in place to ensure the security and confidentiality of information by restricting access to information either held on computers or in storage facilities in wards and teams.