Stockport NHS Foundation Trust adheres to strict information governance to ensure that confidential patient information is used appropriately for care, research, and planning.
We are committed to protecting patient privacy and maintaining dignity, in compliance with GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and NHS Codes of Confidentiality.
Privacy and Confidentiality (Information Handling)
- Data Protection: The trust acts as a Data Controller, managing personal and sensitive medical data with a high level of security. Information is only shared with other organizations, such as the police, where there is a legal basis or explicit consent.
- National Data Opt-Out: Patients can choose to stop their confidential patient information being used for research and planning by opting out via the NHS website, app, or telephone service.
- Accessing Records: Patients have the right to request access to their personal data, known as a Subject Access Request (SAR), which the Trust must respond to within 30 days.
- Information Sharing: Personal information is not shared with private companies for their own means, only with contractors providing services on behalf of the NHS under strict data processing agreements.
- Stockport Health and Care Record: This system allows authorised health and social care professionals directly involved in your care to view the most up-to-date information.
Children`s Privacy Notice
Our Children`s Privacy Notice is now available and can be found below.
Childrens privacy notice (68kB docx)
Dignity and Respect in Care
- Equality & Dignity: We aim to treat all patients with respect as individuals.
- Visitor Guidelines: Visitors are asked to respect the privacy and dignity of other patients, not sit on patient beds, and avoid taking photographs or videos in public areas.
- Privacy Screens: Privacy curtains and screens are used to protect patient modesty during care.
- Feedback: Patients can raise concerns if they feel their dignity is not being respected, with options to contact patient and customer services (email: [email protected]).
Concerns and Complaints
- If a patient is dissatisfied with how their data is used, they can contact the Information Governance team at [email protected]
- Complaints regarding care can be made directly to the Trust, with options to further escalate to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).