Everyone working for the NHS has a legal duty to keep patient medical information confidential. Anything you discuss with any member of the surgery staff, whether doctor, nurse or receptionist, will remain confidential.
Only in exceptional circumstances may we be able to discuss medical details with someone other than the patient. Please bear this in mind for example, if you are ringing for the test results of a family member. We may be able to tell you if the results are back but would normally only be able to tell the patient the results.
We are unable to discuss patient details with family members unless the patient is under 16 years of age.
The only reason why we might want to consider passing on confidential information without your permission would be to protect either you or someone else from serious harm. In this situation, we would always try to discuss this with you first.
If you have any worries or queries about confidentiality, please ask a member of staff.
In order to maintain patient confidentiality and privacy we kindly ask that you please respect fellow patients privacy when they are at the reception desk.
If you would like to discuss matters of a confidential nature with our receptionists please ask to speak in private.