Your Questions Answered
Understanding how the NHS works is not always easy. It can be challenging to know what services are available to you and how to access them. We want to make it easier for patients and have developed a growing list of Frequently Asked Questions. You can search by categories, keywords and ask questions.
If you can’t find an answer, please contact us, and we’ll try to provide one.
Referrals
Can I refer myself to a specialist or service?
How do I book a specialist appointment after a referral?
How do I get referred to a specialist?
What is a referral?
Data, Confidentiality and Privacy
Why do you need my phone number or email address? / Will you spam me?
Is what I say to a Doctor confidential? / I don’t want to explain my issue to a Receptionist / Will you tell my parents if I see a Doctor or Nurse?
Summary Care Records
Anything you say to any member of staff in a GP practice is confidential. All clinical and administrative staff are bound by confidentiality agreements. When you contact your GP practice or ask to book an appointment, you may be asked about your medical issue. This is so trained administrative staff can direct you to the best-placed person to help you. You do not have to provide this information, but it may mean it takes longer to get you the help you need. If you are over the age of 16, you do not need permission from a parent or guardian to seek help. Nor will we tell them that you have sought help. The only exception to this will be if a GP or other clinician feels there is a safeguarding issue and that a child may be at risk of neglect or physical, mental or emotional harm. Anyone aged 13 or over can use a sexual health service. If the GP or clinician is confident that you fully understand the decisions and information involved, we will not inform your parents. You can find out more about using sexual health services here.How do I opt out of data-sharing? / I don’t want my data to be shared?
Summary Care Records
When you register with a GP in England, the practice creates something called a Summary Care Record (SCR). The SCR will include information about you such as your name, address, date of birth and NHS number. It will also contain details of any current medication, allergies or bad reactions you may have had to medicines in the past. Having an SCR means that anyone involved in your care has access to this vital information. For example, if you need urgent treatment at a hospital or other NHS location, staff will know everything they need to about your health to give you the best possible treatment. Not having a Summary Care Record means crucial decisions about your treatment may be delayed or made without the complete information. However, you have the choice to opt out of having an SCR. You will need to complete an SCR patient consent preference form. and return it to your GP practice.National Opt-Out
If you do not want your data to be shared for purposes other than your healthcare, you need to complete a National Opt-Out. Data sharing is vital to making sure that the NHS understands and adapts to patients’ changing needs. Data is also crucial in developing new initiatives, services and treatments such as vaccines. The NHS’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the development and distribution of vaccines, would not have been possible without access to such vital information. However, you have the choice to opt out of having your data used for planning and research purposes. Visit the NHS Your Data Matters for more information on how to make your choice.