All patient notes are treated with the strictest confidentiality and we comply with the Data Protection Act 1998. The doctors, nurses, administrative and attached staff have access to your records. Information is only available on a 'need to know' basis. All staff are fully trained and compliant with the Data Protection Act 1998. Under this Act we are legally obliged to use your information appropriately. We hold information which is essential so that you can receive proper care and treatment. We may share some of this information with other health authorities, for example, immunisation data, cytology data, birth details and demographic data. This information is vital to protect public health generally and ensure that the Department of Health & Personal Social Services runs efficiently.