Effective from April 2026
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) NHS Foundation Trust recognises the importance of protecting personal and confidential information and committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected.
The general privacy notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal data, in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), UK Data Protection Law, Human Rights Act, Common Law Duty of Confidentiality, and other relevant health service legislation.
Data controller
UHDB is the data controller responsible for your personal data.
Key contacts
Email: uhdb.dataprotectionofficer@nhs.net
Telephone: 07500 052642 or 07384 914130
Postal address: Information Governance, Level 3, Maternity and Gynaecology Block, Digital and Data Services, Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3NE
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) maintains a public register of organisations that process personal identifiable data.
The Trust’s registration number is Z8575998.
NHS guidance and leadership roles
In accordance with NHS guidance, the Trust has:
- Caldicott Guardian: an executive director who is responsible for protecting the confidentiality of patient and service user information and enabling appropriate information sharing.
- Senior Information Risk Owner: an executive director with overall responsibility for information risk within the Trust.
Data Protection Officer
The General Data Protection Regulation requires the Trust to appoint a Data Protection Officer to facilitate compliance with the data protection legislation and requirements. This role acts as an intermediary between relevant stakeholders and be the first point of contact for supervisory authorities.
To contact UHDB's Data Protection Officer, please email uhdb.dataprotectionofficer@nhs.net
Definition of personal and sensitive data
- Personal data is information about an identifiable living person, such as name, address, telephone number, date of birth, email address, online identifiers, and credit card/bank details. This includes, but is not limited to, written correspondence, emails, photographs, audio recordings and video recordings.
- Sensitive data is special categories of personal data. For example, data concerning health, ethnic origin, race, political opinion, religious beliefs, biometric and genetic data.
Types of personal data we collect:
We collect and process the following types of personal data:
- personal identifiers: name, date of birth, NHS number
- contact information: address, telephone number, email address
- personal characteristics: ethnicity, gender
- health information: diagnosis, treatment plans, test results
- financial information: billing and payment details for private patients.
Purposes of processing your personal data
We process your personal data for the following purposes:
- Providing healthcare services: to deliver and manage healthcare services, including treatment, diagnosis, and ongoing care.
- Administrative purposes: to manage appointments, admissions, and referrals.
- Legal obligations: to comply with legal and regulatory obligations, including reporting to authorities where required by law.
- Research and audit: to conduct clinical audits, research, and analysis to improve healthcare services and outcomes.
- Patient feedback: to gather feedback through surveys and questionnaires to improve our services.
Legal basis for processing
We process your personal data based on one or more of the following legal grounds:
- Performance of a contract: to fulfil our contractual obligations with you. For example, providing healthcare services.
- Legal obligation: to comply with legal obligations under applicable laws and regulations.
- Public task: processing is necessary for tasks carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in UHDB.
- Consent: where applicable and necessary, we will obtain your consent before processing your personal data for specific purposes.
Data sharing
We may share your personal data with the following recipients:
- Healthcare providers: including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in your care.
- Public health authorities: for disease control, public health monitoring, and reporting.
- Regulatory bodies: as required by law or regulatory requirements.
- Research organisations: for research purposes, subject to appropriate safeguards and ethical standards.
International transfers
Your personal data may be transferred and processed outside the European Economic Area (EEA) if necessary. We ensure such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and regulations.
How we protect your data and ensure confidentiality of information is maintained
UHDB recognises the importance of protecting personal and confidential information and is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. The Trust operates in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), UK Data Protection Law, Human Rights Act, Common Law Duty of Confidentiality, and other Health Service legislation.
- Confidentiality and security: all NHS organisations and everyone who works for the NHS or in partnership with them has a legal duty to keep information confidential and take great care with the security of information and records.
- Staff have a legal responsibility to maintain confidentiality and security of all the personal information (patient and staff) we hold and ensure compliance with the Data Protection Law, Caldicott Principles, NHS Code of Confidentiality and Human Rights Act.
- Data controller responsibilities: the Trust is the data controller for the data it holds. All information and information systems within the Trust are stored on our secure network with appropriate security controls, which includes access controls, cyber security and assessments against all aspects of data security.
- Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs): DPIAs are completed for all new projects or changes to the way we process personal data to ensure that all potential risks have been considered and addressed appropriately. These are signed off by the Senior Information Risk Owner and Caldicott Guardian before the project or change can continue. Details of DPIAs completed can be obtained from the Trust’s Information Governance Team using the contact details below:
Email: uhdb.dataprotectionofficer@nhs.net
Telephone: 07500 052642 or 07384 914130
Postal address: Information Governance, Level 3, Maternity and Gynaecology Block, Digital and Data Services, Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3NE
Training
Staff are trained to understand their responsibilities regarding the security and confidentiality of patient information, and that access is on a strictly need to know basis. They must update this mandatory training on an annual basis.
Audit trails
Records are available to show who accessed what information. Routine and random audits take place to ensure access in appropriate. Any inappropriate access identified will be dealt with through the Trusts’ disciplinary process.
CCTV
Security cameras are installed at various locations within this Trust to prevent and detect crime and for the protection of staff, visitors and patients and their property. Our security staff are also equipped with body worn cameras, which are only activated if they need to record a violent or aggressive incident. Signage about CCTV is posted around the entrances and will be visible on all officers carrying body worn cameras.
Retention of your data
We will retain your information in line with the requirements of the NHS England Transformation Directorate Records Management Code of Practice. This document follows current legal requirements and best practices.
Access NHS England website for records management code of practice (opens in new window) >
National data opt out -Your Choice About How We Use Your Information
The NHS uses information from patient records to help improve health, care, and services for everyone. This includes planning services, improving quality and safety, and supporting research.
What is the National Data Opt‑Out?
The National Data Opt‑Out allows you to choose not to have your confidential patient information used for purposes beyond your individual care, such as research and planning.
This opt‑out applies only where your information would otherwise be used in a form that could identify you.
Your care is not affected
Your decision will not affect your direct care or treatment in any way. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals will always have access to the information they need to provide you with safe and effective care.
How we use your information
We may use your confidential patient information, or share it securely with other NHS organisations and approved partners, for:
- Planning and improving NHS services
- Monitoring quality and safety
- Public health purposes
- Approved research
Where the National Data Opt‑Out applies, we will respect your choice and ensure your information is not used for these purposes if you have opted out.
When the opt‑out does not apply
The National Data Opt‑Out does not apply where:
- Information is used for your direct care
- Information is anonymous and cannot identify you
- There is a legal requirement to share information (for example, safeguarding or public health emergencies)
How to make or change your choice
You can set or change your National Data Opt‑Out choice at any time:
Your choice applies across the NHS in England.
Access NHS Digital website for information about the National Data Opt-out Policy (opens in new window) >
Your rights
Unless subject to an exemption under legislation, you have the following rights with respect to your personal data:
If you believe that we have not complied with your data protection rights, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK's independent authority set up to uphold information rights.
Contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Access the Information Commissioner's Office website (opens in new window) >
Telephone: 0303 123 1113 or use the live chat service on the ICO website
Postal address: Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF
Key contacts
Email: uhdb.dataprotectionofficer@nhs.net
Telephone: 07500 052642 or 07384 914130
Postal address: Information Governance, Level 3, Maternity and Gynaecology Block, Digital and Data Services, Royal Derby Hospital, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3NE
Changes to the privacy notice
We may update this privacy notice to reflect changes in our data processing practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on our website, and it is encouraged that you review this notice periodically.