Is my information safe?
The NHS must keep your personal information safe and confidential. The NHS makes sure their computer systems have high levels of security so that only people who are allowed to look at your information can do so. The NHS also makes sure all NHS staff are properly trained in confidentiality and security.
Any member of staff who looks at your information must:
- only look at the information they need to give you care and treatment
- agree to keep your information private
- only use or record the information they need
- be trained in how to use the computer system properly, and
- use a password.
The NHS regularly checks who has looked at personal information held electronically.
What rights do I have about my personal health information?
You have the right to:
- confidentiality. Information about you should only be shared with people who need it to care for you or treat you. The leaflet Confidentiality – it's your right explains this
- know how your personal health information will be used, stored and shared
- choose not to have an Emergency Care Summary or a more detailed information summary
- see or get a copy of your health information. The leaflet How to see your health records explains how to do this, and
- ask for any mistakes in your health information to be corrected.
Everyone registered with a GP in Scotland has a number that the NHS uses to identify them. This number, called a CHI number, is used on your health records and makes sure that your information is not mixed up with anyone else's.
Page last edited: 30 March 2011