Data and Your Information at Howden Medical Centre

We implement strict security measures to protect patient data from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. These include:

• Secure NHS computer systems and networks.
• Staff training on data protection and confidentiality
• Role-based access to medical records, ensuring only authorised personnel can view sensitive data.

Sharing Your Data

Your data is shared only when necessary and in line with NHS policies, such as:

• With other NHS services and healthcare providers involved in your care.
• With social care services, when relevant to your health and wellbeing.
• With external organisations conducting approved medical research or audits.

We will never sell your personal data or share it with third parties for marketing purposes.

National Data Opt-Out

The NHS National Data Opt-Out allows patients to opt out of their health data being used for research and planning purposes beyond their individual care. You can manage your preferences at

How to Contact Us About Your Data

If you have any questions about how your data is used or would like to exercise your rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer (DPO) via:

Your Rights Under GDPR

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK Data Protection Act 2018 provide you with rights over your personal data. These include:

• The right to access:
  You can request a copy of your personal data held by the practice.
• The right to rectification:
  If your information is incorrect or incomplete, you can ask us to update it.
• The right to erasure:
  In certain circumstances, you may request the deletion of your data.
• The right to restrict processing:
  You can ask us to limit how we use your data in specific situations.
• The right to object:
  You can object to how your data is processed, particularly for non-direct care purposes.
• The right to restrict processing:
  You can ask us to limit how we use your data in specific situations.
• The right to data portability:
  You can request your data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.