On 25th May 2018, European Data Protection Law changed and the new regulations came into effect. Now known as General Data Protection Regulations or GDPR, the rules effect us all. Simply, it gives you, our customers, extra rights regarding how your personal information is used and ensures we and all organisations comply.

At Fairman Chemists Ltd we have always taken patient confidentiality seriously and, we are totally committed to protecting your privacy. In order for us to carry out our normal day to day services, i.e. dispensing your prescriptions, offering advice, managing your medication, etc, we do need to hold personal information.

This privacy notice outlines what happens to any personal information, how we use it, and why we use it.

We are Fairman Chemists Ltd t/a Fairmans Pharmacy, our head office and registered office is 39 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Within our company we have a dedicated Data Protection Officer or DPO. You can contact our DPO by writing to our head office and addressing your correspondence "DPO". Alternatively, you can visit our website at www.fairmanspharmacy.co.uk and send a message via our "contact us" link.

Whenever you use our dispensing services, we hold your contact details and prescription information. Usually this includes your full name, address, date of birth, gender, and medication requirements. This information is held on a safe, NHS approved database along with previous history of medication.

We process children's data when dispensing prescriptions.

If you use any of our services such as Medicine Use Reviews, vaccinations, health advice etc we are obliged to use any information you supply and your medical history taken from our own records. In the first instance, information may be verbal from yours or a carer.

We work closely with your GP and other healthcare services which include; NHS England, local health authorities, NHS trust, and clinical commissioning groups. Any information we receive from them or information we are required to divulge is purely for patient safety and wellbeing.

We receive prescriptions electronically direct from your GP, at your request. You may opt out of this service simply by requesting your GP to direct your prescription to another pharmacy.

We also have access to your Summary Care Record (SCR) from the NHS. You SCR includes additional information such as any allergies you may suffer from, medication reactions, together with your name, address etc. Before we access this information, we will ask your permission, unless your health is debilitating. This will be for your benefit, for urgent treatment or for medication if we are unable to contact your GP for any reason.

Often we receive information from the hospital when you are discharged. Any information is used purely for us to fulfill our obligations to the NHS and other similar bodies.

If you are a resident in a care home, we will receive your information from them. This will be necessary to ensure you receive the best possible care from us.

Our branches may have camera equipment installed to protect our staff and customers from anti-social behaviour, etc. If cameras are in use, we display a sign indicating their use in the branch. We comply with the statutory code of conduct for use of such equipment.

All personal information we receive/hold on our records is purely for the continuation of our legal obligation to our contractors. To provide you with the standard of healthcare required by the NHS and other governing bodies.

You have the right to object to how your information is used . You can request we correct any inaccuracies we have in your information.

We will share information within our own group to enable us to provide you with up to date services and healthcare advice.

We do not sell or exchange your information with any third party for the purpose of advertising etc

Where it is necessary to transfer your information outside the European Economic Area, there are strict guidelines in place. Security checks are in place, and enforced, by the EU commission.

We are required by law to retain your information for as long as required under the terms of our pharmaceutical contract.

We will be happy to answer any of your questions or concerns. Please contact us by writing to our head office:

39 High Street
Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 4AA

Or visit our website at www.fairmanspharmacy.co.uk