Confidentiality: Information for Children and Young People

Here to listen, not to tell

Some things are hard to discuss with your parents or your family/carers.

It is important you know you can talk to us on your own.

Doctors and nurses are there to support you, not judge you.

Professionals duty

Confidentiality means protecting personal information. This might include details of your lifestyle, family, health or care needs which you want to be kept private.

Our codes of practice state that without your consent we cannot tell anyone anything personal about you.

We are only allowed to look at your information records if we need it to provide care, treatment or services.

It’s the law

It doesn’t matter how old you are, you have the right to confidentiality.

Laws

• Data Protection Acts
• Human Rights Act
• Common Law
• NHS Act.

Professionals

Professionals include everyone working for the hospital. For example:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Therapists
• Dietitians
• Pharmacists
• Play Specialists
• Youth Workers
• Students
• Receptionists
• Cleaners
• Secretaries
• Managers.

Information sharing

Sometimes we share information with other professionals involved in your care with your consent.

We can talk about how to involve your parents or carers if you want to.

When we may need to share information

If we think you are at risk of harm or someone else is at risk of harm or to prevent a crime, then we will talk to you about who we need to
tell if it is safe for us to do so.

About this leaflet

Author: Charlotte Tuckett
Written: July 2025
Approved: July 2025
Review date: July 2028
Edition: v2

If you have any feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk