What is this leaflet for?
This leaflet gives easy read information to help you access your health records.
A member of staff or a carer can support you to read this. They will be able to answer any questions that you have.
The Trust keeps health information on the people it supports to make sure that they get the best care possible.
What is The Data Protection Act 2018?
There is a law called the Data Protection Act 2018 which says;
- What the rules are for looking after and sharing information about you
- What your rights are including your rights to see information that is kept about you
We make sure that we follow these rules to keep your information safe.
What is a health record?
A health record means all the different information we keep about your physical and mental health.
This can include letters, assessments you have and any treatments you receive.
Asking to look at your information We keep information about the support and treatment you receive private.
You have the right to see your own information. Our trained staff can support you with this
We will try to get all of the information you want to see to you within one month.
Information in your records that you may not be able to see
You may not be allowed to see information that could cause you any harm.
You may not be able to see some of your health records if it shares private information about somebody else.
The Trust does not have to tell you that it has not shared information with you if it could be harmful to you or someone else.
What are my individual rights?
The right to be told about how information kept about you is used.
The right to see your personal information.
The right to have information about you that is correct. If it is not correct, then it should be changed
The right to ask for information that is no longer needed to be destroyed. Sometimes this is called the right to be forgotten.
The right to have a say in how your information is used and shared with other people and organisations.
Making sure you get your rights
If you want to make sure your rights are being followed you should firstly speak to a member of the health team that is caring for you.
You, or somebody who speaks up for you can also fill in a form telling the trust what you want to know or to happen with your information.
A team called the Disclosures Team will contact you to talk about what you want to happen with your information.
If you want, they can talk to somebody who can speak up for you.
Useful contacts
Disclosures Team
Telephone: 0191 246 6896
Email: Disclosures@cntw.nhs.uk
Data Protection Officer
Email: DPO@cntw.nhs.uk
Information Governance and Medico Legal Department
St Nicholas Hospital
Jubilee Road
Gosforth
Newcastle
NE3 3XT
Problems, complaints or suggestions
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust has a complaints policy.
If you want to complain we will give you a leaflet to explain how to, or you can talk to a member of staff.
If you think there are things we could do to make our service better please tell a member of the team.
Easy Read version made by Skills for People
Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.
This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (Braille, audio, larger print, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre on 0191 246 7288.
Published by the Patient Information Centre
2025 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref: PIC/796/0525 May 2025 V3
Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0191 246 7288
Review date 2028
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