Confidentiality & consent - huh?
Confidentiality and consent are huge words that can make people feel very confused! It's important that you understand what they mean so you know your rights and can make good choices when it comes to staying healthy.
The doctors and nurses at our practices work in line with the Department of Health's guidance on confidentiality and consent and seeing young people on their own. It's important to them that young people feel comfortable coming to talk about any worries they have about their health.
What is confidentiality?
- You have a right to confidentiality (privacy), even if you're under 16. Your doctor or nurse can't share information about your health without your permission.
- They will encourage you to talk to your parents or carers but they should not tell your parents or carers anything without your agreement.
- You have a right to privacy whatever you ask about. This could include sexual health, pregnancy, drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, depression or any other health problem you're worried about.
Can confidentiality be broken?
- Confidentiality can be broken if the doctor or nurse thinks you are in severe danger e.g. if you are in danger of harm or abuse.
- A doctor or nurse may have to contact Social Services or another health professional to make sure you are kept safe.
- They will discuss this with you first and tell you what is going to happen.
Remember: your confidentiality is important to us too. We have a responsibility to keep you safe and will only break confidentiality if we're seriously worried about your health and safety.
What is consent?
- If you give your consent to something, it means you give your permission, you agree.
- If you are 16 years or over, you have the right to make your own decisions about your health.
- If you're under 16, you can give your own consent for medical treatment (e.g. contraception like the pill) if the doctor or nurse thinks you are ready to make your own decisions about your health. They will chat to you about how you're feeling and what you want. If they don't think you're quite ready to make decisions about your health, they will ask you to bring a parent or carer to your next appointment.
What about medical records?
- All your information is kept on a computer system and this is confidential. This information can only be shared if you give your permission.
- No matter what your age, you have the right to see your own medical records.
- Your parents or carers will not be able to see your medical records unless you have given your permission.
Do you have a confidentiality & consent policy?
- Yes! You may view our confidentiality & consent policy as a PDF
Any questions?
If you have any more questions about confidentiality and consent you can ring or visit your practice and ask. You don't have to give your name or any other details over the phone. The staff will be happy to help.