Confidentiality

It is a baby's right (and that of his parents) to have most information about him kept confidential from people not directly involved in his care. This includes relatives and friends (unless parents consent for information to be shared with them) and other families in the unit. In order to give a baby the appropriate treatment, information about a baby and his parents will be shared amongst people involved in his care.

Almost all information gathered about a baby will be stored on the computers in the unit; some information will be written in case notes. Staff on the NNU have access to this information and all recognise the importance of confidentiality. Staff can use the information in written and computerised notes to help them make decisions about a baby's care and to record what has happened to him. Sometimes the information in medical notes is used to review the way staff work and to see if improvements can be made. The information may also be used for research purposes. However no information, which could identify a parent or baby to others outside the team caring for them, will be given without their permission. If parents are uncomfortable about this they should arrange to speak with the consultant responsible for their baby's care.

Parents have a right to see their baby's records if they have legal parental responsibility. Because records contain a lot of complicated information, it is best for a member of staff to go over them with the parent.