Caldicott principles
The principles apply to the use and sharing of confidential patient information, that is data collected for the provision of health and social care services where patients and service users can be identified and would expect that data will be kept private. This may include, for instance, details about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, names and addresses.
The principles are supported by the appointment of a Caldicott Guardian. A Caldicott Guardian is a senior person responsible for protecting the confidentiality of people’s health and care information and making sure it is used properly. Our Caldicott Guardian is Nathan Askew, Chief Nurse.
- Principle 1: Justify the purpose(s) for using confidential information
- Principle 2: Use confidential information only when it is necessary
- Principle 3: Use the minimum necessary confidential information
- Principle 4: Access to confidential information should be on a strict need-to-know basis
- Principle 5: Everyone with access to confidential information should be aware of their responsibilities
- Principle 6: Comply with the law
- Principle 7: The duty to share information for individual care is as important as the duty to protect patient confidentiality
- Principle 8: Inform patients and service users about how their confidential information is used.