Information about you and your treatment may be seen by clinical and administrative staff. We may use this information anonymously to improve the quality of our care, to plan services, or to research new developments. We would never carry out any research which could affect you directly without asking your permission, and giving you full information about the work.

There are also a number of organisations which routinely receive information about treatments in order to manage the NHS, and to monitor and improve the quality of care provided:

Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) are responsible for planning the health needs of their patients, and for paying to keep their local hospitals running. Information in computerised form is sent to PCTs, with your name and address removed, but including NHS numbers and postcodes. Exactly the same information is sent to the Office of National Statistics which produces information about the performance of hospitals.

Other organisations such as specialist disease registries receive information about particular areas of healthcare. This is important to ensure that the NHS provides the best possible treatments both now and in the future.

All information is treated as strictly confidential, and is not given to anyone who does not need it, stored in accordance with the law. Please ask our staff if you have any concerns or would like further information. Alternatively you can contact the Information Governance Manager, Richard Sewart, Hull Royal Infirmary, Anlaby Road, Hull, HU3 2JZ.

Requesting your medical records

If you would like to request a copy of your medical record, please write to: Jane Roe, Patient Records Manager, Hull Royal Infirmary, Anlaby Road, Hull, HU3 2JZ. A charge may be payable for copying and postage.

Students

From time to time, staff caring for you may be accompanied by students for teaching purposes. You have the right to refuse the presence of a student. If you have any strong feelings about this or require any further information do not hesitate to let staff know.

Research

Sometimes we undertake studies for which we may ask you for additional co-operation; these studies may involve you in extra tests or visits to the hospital. You always have a choice whether or not to be involved after being given detailed information. If you choose not to take part this will not affect your future treatment in any way.