Sensitive records have now been added to the Dorset Care Record.
These restricted records are used to protect the location of vulnerable patients in high risk categories, such as witness protection.
NHS Digital is charged with maintaining a national register of NHS patients and this responsibility is fulfilled by using the Personal Demographic Service (PDS), which is the authoritative source of NHS demographic data.
Patients registered with the NHS have to have a record on the PDS. Although they cannot opt out, they can request that their record is marked “Sensitive”, which limits the details that can be seen by anyone viewing their PDS record to name, NHS number and date of birth. No contact or location details are visible.
When you search for a record within the DCR, if the search results show a padlock next to the record, this means that the record has been flagged as sensitive on the national demographic index.
We have provided a new set of training materials which gives guidance for sensitive records covering the following areas:
- Search results for sensitive records
- Viewing a sensitive record
- Providing a reason for breaking the seal
- Person banners
This new guidance now forms part of our mandatory e-learning training for staff. You can access the training at https://news.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dcr-staff-area/files/2020/02/DCR-Sensitive-Records-040219.pdf
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