This leaflet explains why information about you is collected, how we use your data to provide you with the best possible care and treatment, how we keep it secure and confidential, and how you may gain access to your own records. You can find the full privacy notice and our data protection information on our website at https://
What information do we collect about you?
We collect personal information including name, address, date of birth, NHS number, GP, and next of kin. Sensitive data like racial or ethnic origin, genetic, biometric, health data, and information on sexual orientation may also be gathered for health or monitoring purposes. Records may include clinic visits, hospital admissions, health reports, treatment details, investigation results, and relevant data from other health professionals or caregivers.
Phone calls to and from the Trust may be recorded for monitoring and training.
How will your information be used?
The Trust uses your information to provide effective care, maintaining records of treatments and health history. Additionally, your data may be utilised to manage healthcare services, investigate complaints, plan new services, monitor spending, and compile performance statistics.
You may receive a text message after a hospital visit for the Friends and Family Test, allowing you to provide feedback. Opting out of future messages from this service is possible.
Why do we collect information about you?
For the Trust to deliver high-quality healthcare services, we collect and utilise your personal data. This information supports our clinical responsibilities and may be shared within the Trust, with other NHS entities, and occasionally used for training and auditing. We process your data in compliance with the law and act as the Data Controller, providing details on its purpose, retention, and potential recipients. Your information may be shared with agencies and organisations involved in your care, including the Department of Health, GP's, ambulance services, mental health services, and social services. Additionally, it may be used for quality checks, public health protection, service management, complaint investigations, research, and patient satisfaction surveys to enhance our services.
How long do we keep your information?
Records are retained in line with the NHS Records Management Code of Practice.
This is usually eight years after treatment ends or for children up until their 26th birthday.
How we keep your information confidential
We protect your information in the following ways:
Training - Staff are trained to understand their duty of confidentiality and their responsibilities regarding the security of patient information both on our premises and when out in the community.
Access controls - Any member of staff being given access to national systems holding patient information will need a special access card called a smartcard, along with a username and password. Many of our local systems also require smartcard access.
Audit trails - We keep a record in the newer electronic record systems of anyone who has accessed a health record or added notes to it. Some of the older computer systems only record who has amended a record.
Investigation - If you believe your information is being viewed inappropriately we will investigate and report our findings to you. If we find that someone has deliberately accessed records about you without permission or good reason, we will tell you and take action. This can include disciplinary action, or bringing criminal charges.
Records Management - All healthcare records are stored confidentially in a secure location.
Legislation - There are laws in place to protect your information, including the General Data Protection Regulation and the Human Rights Act 1998.
Caldicott Guardian - Within each NHS organisation there is a designated person named the ‘Caldicott Guardian’ whose responsibility it is to ensure that these laws are upheld. The Caldicott Guardian for the Trust is Dr Najam Rashid.
Integrated Care Record
George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust works with other health and social care organisations to share information that form part of your Integrated Care Record.
The Integrated Care Record allows health and care professionals involved in your care to view your records to help them understand your needs and make the best decisions with you, and for you. Information we hold about you will be available, to read only, to other health and care professionals in Coventry and Warwickshire, Birmingham and Solihull, and Herefordshire and Worcestershire when they are involved in your health or social care.
Accessing Your Records
To request copies of your health records you can fill out the form at https://
Or write to us at: Access to Health Records, Unit 4, 24 Bayton Road, Exhall, Coventry, CV7 9EJ
Your Rights
Under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act you have a number of rights with regard to your personal data:
- Right to request access to your information
- Right to have incorrect information corrected
- Right to data portability in some circumstances
- Right to erasure in some circumstances
- Right to limit the use of your data in some circumstances
- Right to object to the use of your data in some circumstances
- Rights in relation to automated decisions
How to make a complaint
If you are unhappy with the way in which your personal data has been processed, you may in the first instance contact the Data Protection Officer via data.protectionofficer@geh.nhs.uk
If you remain dissatisfied then you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office for a decision at www.ico.org.uk
George Eliot Hospital is a smoke free environment. For help and advice to stop smoking you can call the national helpline on 0300 123 1044 or visit https://
Copyright
Except where otherwise noted, this item is licensed under the CC BY license (https://
If you are a rights holder and are concerned that you have found material on our patient information resources website, for which you have not given permission, or is not covered by a limitation or exception in national law, please contact us using the Feedback form providing your contact information and full details of the material.