Key Points

Please take a moment to review these points, reflect on their significance and consider how they apply to your own experiences.

Tick to confirm (optional):

• Disclose without consent when there is a risk of significant harm (safeguarding) and share the minimum necessary information.
• Use secure transmission routes and verify the identity of requesters before sharing records.
• Document facts, concerns, who you spoke to, advice received, what was shared, when and how it was sent.
• If safe, inform the patient/parent that information will be shared, taking care not to reveal details that increase risk.
• For police requests, request and inspect appropriate legal authority (court order/written request) and do not release records on a verbal request alone.
• Record accountability details: requester, authority provided, data shared, date/time, method, and rationale for sharing.
• Escalate uncertainties to the Caldicott or information-governance lead and log their advice with names and times.