General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a new piece of legislation that will supersede the Data Protection Act.  It will not only apply to the UK and EU; it covers anywhere in the world in which data about EU citizens is processed.  The GDPR is a new law that determines how your personal data is processed and kept safe, and the legal rights that you have in relation to your own data.  The regulation applies from the 25 May 2018 and will apply even after the UK leaves the EU.

What GDPR will mean for Patients :-

  • Data must be processed lawfully, fairly and transparently
  • It must be collected for specific, explicit and legitimate purposes
  • It must be limited to what is necessary for the purposes for which it is processed
  • Information must be accurate and kept up to date
  • Data must be held securely
  • It can only be retained for as long as is necessary for the reasons it was collected

There are also stronger rights for patients regarding the information that Practices hold about them.  These include

  • Being informed about how their data is used
  • Patients to have access to their own data
  • Patients can ask to have incorrect information changed
  • Restrict how their data is used
  • Move their patient data from one health organisation to another
  • The right to object to their patient information being processed (in certain circumstances)

Please see the attached for our Privacy Statement.

Topsham Surgery – Privacy Notice

National opt-out Facility

This is used by the NHS, Local Authorities, University and Hospital Researchers, Medical Colleges and Pharmaceutical Companies researching new treatments.  You can choose to opt out of sharing your  confidential patient information for research and planning. There may still be times when your confidential patient information is used; for example, during an epidemic where there might be a risk to you or to other people’s health. You can also still consent to take part in a specific research project.

Your confidential patient information will still be used for your individual care. Choosing to opt out will not affect your care and treatment. You will still be invited for screening services such as screening for bowel cancer.  You do not need to do anything if you are happy about how your confidential patient information is used.  If you do not want your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, please go to the website https://digital.nhs.uk/services/national-data-opt-out

Note: Unfortunately, the National Data Opt-Out cannot be applied by this organisation.

Data Protection Officer details

The Practice’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) is:

Bex Lovewell, Data Protection Officer

Delt Shared Services Ltd

A:  Building 2 – DELT, Derriford Business Park, Plymouth, PL6 5QZ

E:  d-ccg.deltdpo@nhs.net

Privacy Statement for Clinical Research:

We’re excited to share news of our partnership with seasoned NIHR CRN (National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network) experts, seamlessly integrated into our practice team.

In the pursuit of advancing medical research, these professionals, alongside our practice team, may access your patient record for pre-consented activities. This involves identifying potential  eligibility for research opportunities and supporting recruitment and follow-up for clinical trials.

This process operates under the lawful bases of Article 6 (public task) and Article 9 (substantial
public interest) of the GDPR. Be assured, that your privacy and data security are rigorously safeguarded. This collaboration also supports NIHR and NHS’s pursuit in improving equality to access research.

Any eligible individuals will be contacted by the practice, and their consent will be requested before any further processing takes place.