The Data Protection Act 1998 establishes a framework of rights and duties which are designed to safeguard personal data. This framework balances the legitimate needs of organisations to collect and use personal data for business and other purposes against the right of individuals with respect to the privacy of their personal details.
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust became a registered Data Controller on the 1st April 2011. The organisation was previously registered under its former name of Ashton Leigh and Wigan Community Healthcare NHS Trust on the 1st November 2010. Details of the Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust Data Protection registration can be found on the Register of Data Controllers which can be accessed on the Information Commissioners website.
You can find out more about the Data Protection Act 1998 on the Information Commissioners website.
Right to access information under the Data Protection Act 1998
The Data Protection Act 1998 provides you with the right to access your personal information which is processed by the Divisions of the Trust. You should visit the Information Commissioners website for further information and guidance regarding organisations processing your information.
The Data Protection Act is about the personal information of living individuals. The Act does not oblige an organisation to provide information relating to the deceased. However, you may have a right to access this information through the Access to Health Records Act.
There are rules that determine who can access information relating to the deceased. For instance you might be the next of kin or a person with a legitimate interest in the deceased estate.
The Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust has a Data Protection Policy and an Access to Health Records Policy which may help you to understand your rights.
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust is currently made up of the following Divisions:
- Ashton Leigh and Wigan Division
- Halton & St Helens Division
- Trafford Division
- Warrington Division
- Community Dental Network
Feedback
We welcome any questions or comments about this publication scheme, which should be sent in writing to:
Enquires
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust
Ashton Leigh and Wigan Division
Bevan House
17 Beecham Court
Smithy Brook Road
Wigan
WN3 6PR
Email: enquires@bridgewater.nhs.uk
Tel: 01942 482711
