The surgery is open and staffed from 08.00 am to 6.30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Outside of these hours and over Bank Holidays, care is provided by NHS 111.
Individual Health Record (IHR – Out of Hours Service)
The aim of the IHR is to provide better information about you to the medical staff in the Out of Hours service and possibly in future to the emergency services. This will improve the safety and quality of the care you receive.
Your personal IHR will contain:
- Name, address and contact details
- All current medication
- Allergies or any adverse reactions experienced
- Current problems or diagnoses
The electronic recording of this information ensures that medical staff providing out of hours care have limited access to an important summary of medical information held by your GP practice.
Who will use my IHR?
Only medical staff that provide you with care out of hours, or possible in future the emergency services, are able to read your IHR. The medical staff directly involved in providing you with care will ask you for permission BEFORE they access your IHR.
How do I know my IHR will be safe?
Your IHR is stored on secure NHS computer systems in Wales. Strict controls ensure that your personal information is protected and remains confidential. For added security, all access to your IHR is recorded and checked. All NHS staff work to a “Code of Conduct” for handling personal identifiable information”. We are also bound by a common law duty of confidentiality to ensure that your medical information is not disclosed inappropriately.
Can I see my IHR?
Yes, subject to certain conditions. The Data Protection Act 1998 allows you to find out what information about you is contained in your medical record.
If you wish to access your own record, please write to:
Information Governance Manager at:
Hywel Dda Health Board, West Wales General Hospital, Dolgwili Road, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, SA31 2AF
What if I DO NOT WANT medical staff to access my health information?
The IHR is designed to improve the quality of care that you receive. If you have any concerns about your health information being shared with medical staff, please discuss your concerns with your GP Practice. Alternatively, at the start of your consultation, you should inform the medical staff providing your out of hours care of your decision to deny them access to your IHR.
If you do not want a summary of your GP medical record to be included in the IHR, you will need to complete and sign a “Patient Choice Opt-Out Form” which is available from your GP surgery and return it to the practice, so that we can ensure your medical infromation will not be available through the IHR. Please note that if you move practices, you will need to discuss your opt-out arrangements with your new practice.
Should you opt-out, you may opt back in at any time in the future by contacting the practice.
Further Information:
You can contact Hywel Dda Health Board on 01437 771220
or visit www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk
