Publish date: 9 July 2026
Protecting confidential information is everyone's responsibility
The vast majority of our staff handle information professionally, respectfully and appropriately every day. Thank you for the important role you play in protecting the confidentiality of our patients, service users and colleagues. Recent national communications have reinforced the need for all NHS organisations to ensure that records are only accessed when there is a genuine and legitimate work-related reason for doing so.
Please remember:
- Only access records when it is necessary for your role and to support your work
- General curiosity, personal interest, or concern for someone you know are not legitimate reasons to view a record
- Just because you have access to a record does not mean you should access it
- All access to records is auditable and routinely monitored.
Every patient, service user and colleague has the right to expect that their confidential information will be treated with respect and protected appropriately.
Unauthorised access to records is a serious matter and may result in disciplinary action. In some circumstances, it may also have professional, regulatory or legal consequences. If you are ever unsure whether access is appropriate, please speak to your manager or contact IG
Thank you for helping us maintain the trust that patients, service users, colleagues and communities place in us every day.