All Polices

GPDPR & National Data Opt Out

The data held in a GP medical records of patients is used every day to support health and care planning and research in England, helping to find better treatments and improve patient outcomes for everyone and it is known that data saves lives. NHS Digital has developed a new way to collect this data, called the General Practice Data for Planning and Research data collection.

The new data collection reduces burden on GP practices, allowing doctors and other staff to focus on patient care.

What data is shared

Data may be shared from the GP medical records about:

  • any living patient registered at a GP practice in England when the collection started – this includes children and adults
  • any patient who died after the specified deadline, 31/07/22 and was previously registered at a GP practice in England when the data collection started

NHS Digital will not collect patients’ names or addresses. Any other data that could directly identify patients (such as NHS Number, date of birth, full postcode) is replaced with unique codes which are produced by de-identification software before the data is shared with NHS Digital.

This process is called pseudonymisation and means that patients will not be identified directly in the data. NHS Digital will be able to use the software to convert the unique codes back to data that could directly identify patients in certain circumstances, and where there is a valid legal reason.

Structured and coded data will be collected from patient medical records.

Click here to find out more about the benefits of data collection for research & planning and how it helps the NHS.

What is National Data Opt-Out?

The national data opt-out is a service that allows patients to opt out of their confidential patient information being used for research and planning.

For further information on National Data Opt-Out, click on this link.

NHS Digital will not collect data from GP practices about patients for research and planning purposes if they have registered a Type 1 Opt-out with their practice.

If you do not want your data to be shared by NHS Digital for purposes other than personal health care and treatment please register your Type 1 Opt-out with your GP practice.

If you register a Type 1 Opt-out after collection has started, no more of your data will be shared. However what NHS Digital will still hold the patient data which was collected prior to opt out/before you registered the Type 1 Opt-out.

Type 1 Opt-Out Online

To complete and registered yourself online for Type 1 Opt out click this link.

Young adults from the age of 13 can set and change their own national data opt-out.

Type 1 Opt-out Electronic Form

Type 1 Opt Out Form– To opt out using Type 1 opt-out please download and complete this form and submit to the surgery you can do this by emailing us at gmicb-bol.p8004.administrators@nhs.net

Complaints

Occasionally things may go wrong with the service that you have received, and we would very much like to know when this has happened.  We have a system to deal with complaints in house and complaints can be made to the Practice Manager either verbally or in writing.

The complaints leaflet is available below:-

Complaints Leaflet

Please also find the link below to Bolton Healthwatch, who can assist you with any element of a complaint:-

http://www.healthwatch.co.uk/

Summary Care Record

There is a new Central NHS Computer System called the Summary Care Record (SCR). It is an electronic record which contains information about the medicines you take, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had.

Why do I need a Summary Care Record?

Storing information in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed.

This information could make a difference to how a doctor decides to care for you, for example which medicines they choose to prescribe for you.

Who can see it?

Only healthcare staff involved in your care can see your Summary Care Record.

How do I know if I have one?

Over half of the population of England now have a Summary Care Record. You can find out whether Summary Care Records have come to your area by looking at our interactive map or by asking your GP

Do I have to have one?

No, it is not compulsory. If you choose to opt out of the scheme, then you will need to complete a form and bring it along to the surgery. You can use the form at the foot of this page.

More Information

For further information visit the NHS Care records website

Download the opt out form

Named Accountable GP

All patients, including children, have been allocated a named, accountable GP with the Practice.

A named, accountable GP will take responsibility for the co-ordination of all services required and ensure they are delivered to each patient where required.

This does not mean you are restricted to consulting with only your named, accountable GP – you can still consult with any GP within the Practice should you wish.

Freedom of Information

Information about the General Practioners and the practice required for disclosure under this act can be made available to the public. All requests for such information should be made to the practice manager.

Confidentiality & Medical Records

The practice complies with data protection and access to medical records legislation. Identifiable information about you will be shared with others in the following circumstances:

  • To provide further medical treatment for you e.g. from district nurses and hospital services.
  • To help you get other services e.g. from the social work department. This requires your consent.
  • When we have a duty to others e.g. in child protection cases anonymised patient information will also be used at local and national level to help the Health Board and Government plan services e.g. for diabetic care.

If you do not wish anonymous information about you to be used in such a way, please let us know.

Reception and administration staff require access to your medical records in order to do their jobs. These members of staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the medical staff.

Violence Prevention & Reduction Policy

The NHS operate a zero tolerance policy with regard to violence and abuse and the practice has the right to remove violent patients from the list with immediate effect in order to safeguard practice staff, patients and other persons. Violence in this context includes actual or threatened physical violence or verbal abuse which leads to fear for a person’s safety. In this situation we will notify the patient in writing of their removal from the list and record in the patient’s medical records the fact of the removal and the circumstances leading to it.

Bolton Care Record

The Bolton Care Record is a new confidential computer record that will allow health and social care professionals directly involved in your care to access the most up to date information about you.  These records are currently held separately and aren’t available across different health and social care services when they are needed.

It does this by sharing appropriate information from your medical and care records between health and social care services in Bolton. This means your GP, a specialist at the hospital, a district nurse, or a social care professional will have access to the information they need.

Information is already shared by phone and paper records across health and social care organisations. The Bolton Care Record will enable your information to be shared more accurately and more efficiently with those professionals directly involved in your care. This should improve the care you receive.

What information will be shared?

  • Your address and telephone number
  • Diagnosis list – to make sure your health or social care professional has an accurate and complete record of your care.
  • Medications – so everyone treating you can see what medicines you’ve currently been prescribed.
  • Allergies – to make sure you aren’t prescribed or given any medicines you could have an adverse reaction to.
  • Test results – to speed up your treatment and care.
  • Referrals, clinic letters and discharge information – to make sure the people caring for you have all the information they need about other treatment you’re having elsewhere.

The benefits for patients:

  • Joined up care is safer care
  • More time spent on you and your care, instead of going over the same information over and over again
  • More effective record sharing helps services work better together, potentially reducing hospital stays so you can get home sooner.

Your questions answered…

Can anybody see my records?

No. Only health and care professionals directly involved in your care will see your Bolton Care Record and only with your consent. Your details won’t be made public or passed on to third parties not directly involved in your care.

How do I know my record is safe and secure?

By law, everyone working for the NHS and social care must respect your privacy and keep your information safe.

Can I access my Bolton Care Record?

Yes. Under the 1988 Data Protection Act you can request all information that an organisation holds about you.

Do I have to share my records?

You can choose not to have a Bolton Care Record, but sharing your medical and social care information through a Bolton Care Record will make it easier to provide the best care and support for you.

How do I opt out?

Your information will only be viewed with your consent. You can say no to any health or care professional who asks permission to view your information. You can also completely opt out and not have a Bolton Care Record. Contact your GP if you wish to opt out.