The LMC is privy to forms of confidential information such as plans and technical specifications, practice information, ICB GPC or BMA documentation or information relating to patients, GPs or colleagues.
It could be harmful to the LMC and stakeholders if this information was shared outside of the LMC. Maintaining appropriate confidentiality is vital to ensure the trust of staff, committee, constituents and other stakeholders, and enable the required liaison with the LMC to deliver its functions.
All staff members and committee members are bound by confidentiality within their contractual terms and/or committee member roles and responsibilities and code of conduct.
Service users should also follow their own confidentiality obligations and ensure information shared with the LMC is appropriate and allowable to share.
The LMC takes confidentiality very seriously and ensures robust processes are in place to ensure the careful handling of information available to it. The following guidelines are followed by the LMC:
- Confidentiality is essential to ensure good working relationships with constituents and other organisations to ensure trust.
- Identifiable or confidential information is not shared with another party, without the consent of the author.
- All information is stored and disposed of securely to ensure it cannot be viewed by others.