Patient confidentiality and the duties of a doctor

At all times you must ensure patient confidentiality and observe hospital protocols regarding patient records and information. Below is an extract from the General Medical Council’s (GMC) guide, Duties of a Doctor, which outlines a doctor’s commitment towards patient confidentiality:

“Patients have a right to expect that information about them will be held in confidence by their doctors.  Confidentiality is central to trust between doctors and patients.”

If you are asked to provide information about patients you should read the booklet ‘Confidentiality’ and be prepared to justify your decision. This booklet is part of the GMC guide Duties of a Doctor which is in your Welcome Pack.

The legislative framework surrounding confidentiality generally has required that Imperial has a Policy on the Data Protection Act.

Policies index