Our pledge to you regarding storing and sharing your information
Your information
- In order for the Hospice to provide you with the highest possible standard of care, we require up-to-date and accurate information about you and your family or carers.
- All this information will ensure that the care we provide will meet your needs, both in the Hospice environment and home care.
- You can help by giving us details about yourself that will help with ensuring your care is appropriate for you and then letting us know of any changes in your circumstances, or family circumstances, or if we have any incorrect details.
How we might use your information
- We will receive a lot of personal information about you in the course of your time with the Hospice.
- We will use this information to provide you with the most appropriate treatment and good quality care that meets your personal needs.
- Your information may also be used to teach and train staff and for statistical purposes.
- If we do use your information in this way any identifying personal information will be removed or anonymised.
Sharing your information
- This information will only be shared on a ‘need to know’ basis and the Hospice has policies to ensure that all staff follow strict rules and abide by the Data Protection Act and Confidentiality Agreement.
- In the course of your care, we may need to share some of your information about your illness and treatment with colleagues in the Hospice and those in other teams and organisations such as your General Practitioner and District Nurse, the London Ambulance Service and Social Services.
- In some situations you may be required to sign a specific document agreeing that information can be shared and accessed from particular agencies.
- We will also share some details about you and the contact details you give us for family and carers with our bereavement service so they can offer support to those who matter to you.
- We will keep you informed about what is going in at the Hospice by sending you the St Luke’s newsletter, Insight, and an invitation to our annual Light Up a Life event.
How we will keep your records safe
- Everyone working for the Hospice has a legal duty to keep your information safe and confidential.
- The Contract of Employment for all staff and the Confidentiality Agreement signed by all Hospice volunteers requires that they comply with the Data Protection Act and all the policies covering information security and governance
Your information rights
You have the right to:
- Know how we will use your personal information
- Access your medical records following a written request
- Object to us using your information
- Ask us to change or restrict the way in which we use your information
- Include any corrections you want to make in your record.
Who do I contact if I would like to know more or have concerns?
If you would like to know more about how we use your information or if you have concerns about it please speak with one of your Hospice nurses or doctors.
