What we do with patient information

When you come to King’s, we ask you for information about yourself to help us with your care. We keep this information on file, in case you need treatment again in the future.

What information do we keep?

• Your name, address, date of birth and details of your home doctor.
• Your medical condition and the treatment and tests you have at King's.
  

Why does King’s keep this information?

• By law we have to keep certain information about you.
• We use it in research and training and to check the standard of our patient care. It also helps our staff review their work.
• The NHS uses it to plan public care and to manage health services nationally.
  

Who can see my information?

• In general, only members of staff involved in your care can see your information.
• Some other members of staff will see your details if we use them in research, training or to review our work.
• The law says we have to send some information to other organisations. For example, we have to provide details of births at King’s.
• We will tell your home doctor about your progress, unless you tell us not to.
• Everyone who does see your information must keep it confidential.
  

Sharing your information

We have teamed up with Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals in a partnership known as King’s Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre. We are working together to give our patients the best possible care, so you might find we invite you for appointments at Guy's or St Thomas'. To make sure everyone you meet always has the most up-to-date information about your health, we may share information about you between the hospitals.

How can I see my records?

• If you would like to view your medical records while you are an inpatient, please discuss this with your care team.
• To see your records once you have been discharged, first read the Guidance notes for Access to Records.
• If you then decide you would like to request access to your patient records and other clinical information, complete the Access to Health Records form and return it to the Trust.
• Your family and friends are not allowed to ask to see your records.
• If you have any queries or need help completing the form, contact the Patient Records Service on 020 3299 3559.
  

Why do we collect information about ethnicity?

• Every NHS organisation has to collect information on the ethnic origins of its patients. This is a mixture of information about your culture, language, history, religion, nationality and upbringing.
• We always keep your information confidential. We only use it to make sure our services meet the needs of all members of the community.
• You don’t have to give us information about your ethnic origin if you do not want to.