We always ask for your consent prior to treatment which will include an explanation of what is proposed and the risks, benefits and any alternatives. If you have any concerns please direct these to a member of staff in the area you are receiving treatment.
In this section
Information and communication
While you are in hospital we may need to communicate with your family/friends. We will need to know your next of kin or main contact to speak to about your care. If there is anyone you would like us to contact please let us know.
Your doctor and other health professionals caring for you keep records about your health and any treatment you receive from the NHS. These records may be written down or held on computer. Full and accurate records are needed to assess your health and decide what care you need. They enable us to assess the quality of care you have received, and to investigate any concerns you may have. Your details are also needed to contact you about appointments and arrange health checks.
Where necessary to provide you with the health care you need, your doctor will share information about you with other professionals involved in your treatment. Increasingly this is achieved by use of information technology.
Your records will also be used for wider NHS purposes, such as:
- to secure payment for the treatments you have received
- to measure our performance against targets
- to audit our compliance with regulations and standards
- for teaching, training and research purposes.
We will only ever use your information as required or permitted by law, and wherever possible we will remove any identifying details (such as your name, address and NHS number) before using your information for these secondary purposes.
You have the right to object to some uses of your personal information and we will seek to respect your wishes in these circumstances.
More details are available about the sort of information we collect, how it is used and how it is stored in our privacy notice.
Understanding Patient Data has produced a series of animations to explain how data saves lives. Following the journeys of patients with cancer, a heart attack, diabetes, dementia and asthma, they show the huge range of ways data is used to improve care, and the safeguards that are in place to protect confidentiality.
A ReSPECT form (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) can be used to record your wishes and preferences so that in the event of an emergency, those looking after you can make decisions about your care that reflect your personal wishes.
As part of a ReSPECT discussion, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) will be discussed. You can be for CPR and still have a ReSPECT form. However, they are often completed for those patients where CPR is not appropriate, or against their wishes.
At our Trust, we want everyone - patients, visitors, and staff - to feel safe, respected, and listened to. Here’s how we work together when it comes to recording (audio, video, livestreaming or photos):
What we expect from our staff
- Staff will always ask for your permission before recording any part of your care or conversation.
- Staff will explain why a recording might be helpful and make sure you’re comfortable before going ahead.
- Your privacy and dignity are our priority - recordings are only made when necessary and are kept safe and secure.
- If you have any concerns about being recorded, staff will listen and respect your wishes.
What we expect from you
- Please ask staff or volunteers before recording any conversations, treatments, or areas in the hospital.
- Respect the privacy of other patients, visitors, and staff - don’t record anyone without their permission. Please don’t post in writing about other patient’s treatment or conditions.
- If you’d like to record your consultation to help remember information, just let us know. We’re happy to support you.
- Avoid making secret (covert) recordings. Open conversations help build trust.
If expectations are not followed
- If recordings are made without permission, you may be asked to delete them.
- Sharing recordings online or on social media without agreement could break the law and may lead to further action.
- We’re here to help - if you have concerns about recordings, please speak to a member of staff or contact our Information Governance Team.
- If you have concerns about your care, you can contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Team.
Together, we can make sure everyone’s rights and privacy are respected. Thank you for helping us create a safe and supportive environment for all.
Staff and patient recording policy – guidance on recording in Trust settings (PDF). This policy explains the Trust approach to recording staff and patients, including consent and privacy.
You have a right to access your health records. How to access your medical records.
After your visit, in most cases, the consultant or healthcare professional will write a letter to your GP. If you would like a copy of these letters then please inform your consultant or healthcare professional at your appointment.
For patients who don’t speak English we have a telephone based translation and interpretation service and all of our patient information is available in different formats, including large print and Braille. Our website can also be translated, using the translate feature.
British Sign Language users can contact us on-demand, seven days a week, using a BSL video interpreter. Click here for more information about the video interpreter service.
