New Data Protection laws (GDPR)
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force on the 25th May 2018, replacing the existing data protection framework under the EU Data Protection Directive.
This will affect how your personal data is stored, accessed, shared and processed. In essence it regulates GP’s as data controllers who are responsible for important personal data that is held your medical record. It also provides rights to patients the data subjects.
How is this practice preparing for the upcoming changes in the law?
To be compliant with the upcoming changes in the law, we are auditing our practice and the way we collect, store and process your information. All our staff (medical, nursing and administrative) will undergo training in confidentiality privacy in accordance with the new legislation.
We are also making changes to improve the security of out IT systems, as well as ensuring only secure systems are used to transfer patient data
How will this affect our patients?
There are no specific requirements on patients other than ensuring your contact information is up to date. You may be asked to provide consent to have your information shared with a third party; for example – you will need to provide consent for a family member/carer to collect your results / prescriptions.