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Why/How Do You Keep My Personal Information
Why we collect information about you?
- To help us see if we can offer you a service.
- To make sure you receive the best possible care. It also helps us plan and develop future services.
- Help us remember what we have talked about and agreed with you, about your needs and care.
The records may include
- Your name, address, date of birth, gender and ethnicity.
- Details about your needs and the plans agreed with you for providing your care and support.
- You’re doctor details and any medical information that may help in providing your care.
- Your financial circumstances to see if you need to pay towards the cost of your services.
- Relevant information from other people who know you.
What do we use your information for?
We use your records to make sure
- We have accurate, up to date information so we can plan with you the best services to meet your needs.
- We can monitor and review your needs to make sure you continue to get the right support.
- Any concerns you may have can be properly investigated
- We can develop and improve services for the future.
Do we share your records with others?
Neighbourhoods and Community Care staff and the people that work closely with our staff to help you may need to see part or all of your records. These people may include health service staff.
Because of the type of information we provide, some of the information we record is personal and sensitive. Under the Data Protection Act 1998, all staff have a duty to protect your records and keep what you tell us safe. Our staff, and people who work closely with us, value your right to keep things confidential and know they must only let other professionals have access to the information, when they have a clear need to know as part of their job.
In some circumstances we are obliged to show information to others. This would include when a person or an organisation has a legal right to the information.
Can I see my personal information?
Yes. The Data Protection Act 1998 gives you the right to ask us what information we have recorded about you.
Is there anything I cannot see?
We always try to show you all information we hold. Sometimes we may be unable to do this or we may need to ask someone else’s permission first. For example, your records may contain information about someone else, or relate to legal proceedings. If we cannot share the whole of your record we will explain why.
How do I get to see my records?
If you want to see the information we hold about you please see the leaflet ‘Access to Personal Information’. This leaflet can be requested from the Quality & Communications team on 273 4969. At the end of this leaflet is a form, please fill it out and send to; the Social Services Customer Relations Unit, Corporate Mail Facility, FREEPOST NEA 5527, Town Hall, Sheffield S1 2ZZ.
What happens next?
We will write back to you to say we have received your request. If you have asked for a specific item of information it may be possible to find this quickly and include this in the reply.
We aim to respond to each request within 40 days from receipt of the written request.
You can also authorise someone else to get personal information for you. They must produce clear evidence that they are authorised to make a request on your behalf.
If you’re not happy with our response
If you are not happy with our response to your request you can make a complaint, or
log your feedback on our online form.
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