Confidentiality Policy
This Confidentiality Policy explains how Cumbria Assessment and Diagnostic Service (CADS) protects the privacy of the information you share with us during your assessment or treatment. At CADS, we take confidentiality seriously. This means that the information you share with us is treated with respect and kept private, unless there is a clear reason it needs to be shared. The full policy is available upon request.
1. How we keep information confidential
We keep clear, accurate, and secure records.
Only those who need access for professional reasons can see your information.
We avoid including unnecessary detail or judgemental comments.
2. When information may be shared
Most of the time, your information will only be shared with your consent. However, there are a few situations where we may need to share it without asking first:
If there is a risk to your safety or the safety of someone else.
If there are safeguarding concerns (e.g. risk of abuse).
If we are required to do so by law or a court order.
Supervision and professional consultation: As part of our commitment to safe and effective practice, clinicians may discuss aspects of their work in external supervision or consultation. This is standard practice across healthcare professions. Where your case is discussed, identifying details are minimised or removed as far as possible. Supervisors are bound by the same professional codes of confidentiality.
If we do need to share information, we will normally talk to you first so that you know what is being shared and why — unless this would increase the risk of harm or break the law.
3. Your rights
You can request to see the information we hold about you.
We will only share information about you (not other people) when you ask.
In some cases, access may be limited if sharing it could cause serious harm to you or others.
4. Children and young people
When working with children and young people, we explain clearly what information will be shared and with whom. We take account of their level of understanding (Gillick competence) and always act in line with safeguarding responsibilities.
5. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Confidentiality Policy or how we protect your information, please contact us:
FAO: Dr Attilio Colosi