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Man sitting on a chair reading a piece of paper.

What is this leaflet for?

This leaflet gives easy read information about your right to receive copies of letters about you that are written by your doctor.

Two people looking at a booklet and one of them pointing to the page

A member of staff or a carer can support you to read this. They will be able to answer any questions that you have.

A person sitting in front of a desk. At the other side is a person writing on a piece of paper.

Sharing letters with service users

As part of the NHS plan you can get a copy of any letters written by health professionals about you if you want to.

A letter sticking out of the top of a brown envelope

Lots of times healthcare professionals write to you and send a copy of the letter to your doctor.

The NHS thinks this is a good idea.

Two men having a discussion, one holding and pointing at a document.

Sharing letters is a way of getting you more involved with your care and treatment.

A person holding up her thumb, and green circle with a white tick

We need to make sure that you know about your right to get copies of letters and your right to say no if you don’t want copies.

We need to make sure you are asked if you want a copy of any letter about you.

We need to make sure you get a copy of a letter about you if you want one.

A doctor at a desk writing onto paper and talking to someone

This means the health professional will ask you if you want a copy of the letters about you.

All you have to do is tell them if you would like to have copies or not.

A hand with a thumb pointing up and text saying Yes please. Also a hand with a thumb pointing down and text underneath saying No thanks.

Your letter can be copied to carers or a family member if this would be useful.

You will be asked to give your consent to do this.

A letter with NHS logo and a big red cross through it

Sometimes a health professional might decide not to copy a letter to you.

This might be because the letter has something in it about somebody else or they think it might do you harm.

A person pointing to a form, and another person holding a pen ready to sign

Consent

You will be asked to sign a consent form before copies of letters are sent to you.

A young person with thumbs up in front of a poster showing four question marks in four differently coloured boxes

Choice is about if you want to receive copies of letters written about you and it is up to you.

It does not affect any part of the treatment or care you get.

A person with a finger on their chin and looking up. Two illustrated thought clouds are above the person.

You can change your mind at any time.

If you have any questions about the letter you should talk to:
 

 

References

  • The NHS Plan, paragraph 10.3 (2000) Department of Health
  • Copying Letters to Patients Good Practice Guidelines (2004) Department of Health
  • Policy CNTW(O)22 - Sharing letters with service users

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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

2022 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

Ref: PIC/166/1222 December 2022 V7

Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0191 246 7288

Review date 2025

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