This is to let you know what happens when we collect your personal information and how we keep it confidential and secure.
Personal information means any information that could be used to identify you.
This could be just your name and address; or it could include a telephone number, email address, a picture or recording of you.
Under information protection laws you have the same rights as adults.
If you are 13 years of age or older you can make decisions about your own information which may include the right to see your own personal information; ask for your information to be corrected if you believe it is incorrect, say you don’t want us to handle your information and ask to have your information deleted.
If you decided that you don’t want us to handle your information or that you want us to delete your information, we would find it very difficult to care for your health.
You can speak with the person who is providing your healthcare about your rights.
We will only keep your information for as long as the law says, and we will only share it with other people if they need it to continue with your healthcare.
Sometimes we may need to share it with someone to protect you from harm.
If we do need to share your information, we make sure it is protected and isn’t shared with anyone who doesn’t follow the information protection laws.
This includes not sending outside of the United Kingdom.
If you are under 12 years of age, the person who looks after you will make decisions on your information rights.
More information is available in our Patient Privacy Notice.
What type of information do we collect about you?
- Your first and second name
- Your date of birth
- Your address
- The name of the person who will bring you to your appointments.
- The name of your doctor (GP)
- The reason for your visit to one of our clinics
- What we do to care for you
- Any information that your doctor (GP) you or your family gives us.
What do we do with the information we collect from you?
We keep the information we collect from you altogether in one record, this is called your health record and is either electronic (on a computer) or on paper.
When you first see us, your health record will be given a number, this will be different than anyone else’s.
The doctors, nurses and clinicians involved in caring for you at Bridgewater will be able see what information has been collected all in one place and continue to care for you.
Sometimes the people who do the office work like sending you an appointment will need to go into your record, but they will only see your name and address, never your health information.
Why do we need to collect information from you?
We need to collect information about you to make sure we know who you are, and how to contact you.
We collect the information to give you the best possible care.
Each time you use our services (visit us) we will need to add your information to your health record.
We need to record the things we have told you, and things you have told us.
How will we look after your information and keep it confidential?
All people working in the NHS must keep your information confidential.
Each year, everyone working in the NHS must be trained on information security.
They are given a card (smartcard) which allows them to see your information. Only the doctors, nurses and clinicians who are caring for you can see your health information.
We always check to make sure your information has not been seen by someone who isn’t providing your healthcare.
How else could we use your information?
There are times when we need to share information about you and your healthcare with others.
We may share your information with:
- GPs
- Health Authorities
- NHS Trusts
- NHS England.
If you are receiving care from other people (such as Social Services) as well as the NHS, we may also need to share information to help us work together for your benefit.
We will not share your information to anyone who doesn’t have a right to see it without your permission unless we think you could be harmed, or another person could be harmed.
We only share your information with other organisations who follow the information protection laws.
Can you ask to see the information we collect about you?
- If you are worried that your personal information is not being used properly, you can speak to the doctor, nurse or clinician involved in your care.
- We will always help you understand your information.
- If you have asked to see your health record and notice a mistake, you should let the doctor, nurse or clinician know straight away.
- If you are 12 or older and would like to see the information, we have collected from you, please speak with the doctor, nurse or clinician or visit our Access to Healthcare records page.
We have an Information Protection Officer who makes sure we all follow the information protection law.
If you have any concerns, you can speak to your doctor, nurse or clinician or contact the Information Protection Officer.
Her details are below.
Complaints and contact details
All NHS organisations must have a information protection officer, whose role is to make sure all our staff understand the information protection laws and we handle your personal information securely and legally.
If you are not happy with how we handle your information or you believe your information rights have been breached, please email bchft.dpo@nhs.net.
Information Protection Officer (DPO) for Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is:
Jan McCartney – Trust Secretary
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Ground Floor
Spencer House
Birchwood
Warrington
Cheshire
WA3 7PG
Telephone: 01925 946400
Email: bchft.enquiries@nhs.net / bchft.dpo@nhs.net
If you are not happy with how we handle your information you can also complain to the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).
The ICO is the UK’s independent body set up to uphold information rights:
ICO Helpline: 0303 123 1113
ICO website: https://ico.org.uk
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside
Bridgewater is in Cheshire and Merseyside and as such your treatment may involve NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, which means we will need to share some of your personal information with them.
All NHS trusts must protect your information and respect your data protection rights.
The NHS Cheshire and Merseyside privacy notice explains how they protect your information Privacy Notice – NHS Cheshire and Merseyside
Page first published: 14 February 2024
Page updated: 14 February 2024