Consent

We act in the best interests of our patients and, where we can, we always look to involve them in decisions about their care.

There are a number of ways we do this:

• We listen to patients and respect their views about their health
• We discuss with patients what their diagnosis, treatment and care involves
• We share with patients the information they want or need in order to make decisions, including all risks and benefits
• We maximise the opportunities to give patients the ability to make decisions for themselves
• We respect patients’ decisions

Unfortunately, sometimes patients are not able to make decisions for themselves. In these circumstances, our clinicians will, where possible, work with those close to the patient, and take into account any views or preferences expressed by the patient, to make decisions which are considered to be in their best interests in light of all the information available.

Confidentiality

We believe that confidentiality is central to the trust that underpins our relationship with patients.

In the process of caring for you, our health professionals will obtain confidential information and keep records about your health and any treatment or care you receive from our service.

This is done to help ensure you receive the best possible care from us. Records may be written down (manual records) or held on a computer. These may include:

• Basic details about you, such as your address and next of kin
• Notes and reports about your health, and any treatment and care you need, have had and may need
• Details and records about the treatment and care you are receiving
• Results of investigations
• Relevant information from other health professionals, relatives or those who care for you and know you well

All of our staff have a legal duty to keep information about you confidential.

We will only ever use or pass on information about you if others involved in your care have a genuine need for it. We will not disclose your information to third parties without your permission, unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as if the health or safety of others is at risk, or where the law requires information to be passed on.

Anyone who receives information from us also has a legal obligation to keep it confidential.

Our guiding principle is that we are holding your records and information in strict confidence.

Data Protection

The Data Protection Act 1998 allows you to find out what information about you is held on computer and in certain manual records. This is known as “right of subject access”. It applies to your health records.

If you want to see them, you should make a written request to us at:

Information Governance
Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex
Rochester City Airport
Maidstone Road
Chatham, Kent ME5 9SD

You can also email your request to infogov@aakss.org.uk.

You are entitled to receive a copy, but you should also be aware that in certain circumstances your right to see some details in your health records may be limited in your own interest or for other reasons.