All patient records, including paper and computer-based records are confidential. They are protected by the Data Protection Act 1998 which lays down legal requirements for computer users such as ourselves.

We will pass on specific information only if there is a genuine clinical need for it. Anyone who receives information from us is also under a legal duty to keep it confidential.

Sometimes the law requires us to pass on information e.g. to notify a birth or when we encounter infectious diseases that may endanger the safety of others.  Data may be gathered for audit purposes and in development of medical care or other NHS services.

All NHS members who access your data are legally bound to keep this confidential. 

We are fully compliant with the Freedom of Information Act 2000. By law you have the right to request access to your health records. Please contact us if you wish to apply for this access.

Patient privacy during consultations

Hartlepool NHS Healthcare Centre takes the privacy of patients very seriously and all appointments are carried out in a private consultation room.

Rights and responsibilities

We provide high quality health services designed around patient need. 

You can help us by

• Arriving promptly for your appointment
• Cancelling any appointment you do not need so that someone else can take your place
• Acting in a polite and non-abusive manner   
• Switching off mobile phones while on the premises

Zero tolerance

We have a zero tolerance policy of violence against all Centre staff. Violent or abusive behaviour towards any Centre employee will be reported to the police.