Guide to accessing services for young people aged 13 to 16 years old

Young People’s Rights & Confidentiality

Chase Meadow Health Centre

When you are young, your parents or carers are usually involved in your healthcare. They may make decisions for you or speak to healthcare staff on your behalf. As you get older, you gain more rights and can decide whether you want your parents or carers involved in your care.

This leaflet explains your rights at Chase Meadow Health Centre once you are considered able to make your own decisions about your health and your information.

 

Seeing a Doctor Under 16

Patients under 16 should normally attend appointments with an adult. However, there are situations where you may be seen on your own, for example:

Our clinical team will always act in your best interests.

 

Who is this Leaflet For?

This information is for anyone under 16. It explains how we keep your health information private and what your rights are.

Healthcare staff at Chase Meadow Health Centre include:

 

Confidentiality – Your Right to Privacy

Anything you discuss with a healthcare professional is confidential. This includes topics such as:

You can speak openly and honestly – we are here to help you, not judge you.

When might information be shared?

Sometimes we may need to share information to give you safe and effective care. This could be with other healthcare services (e.g., hospitals or clinics you are referred to).

We will:

When must we share information?

We may need to share information without your consent if:

If this happens, we will try to discuss it with you first wherever possible.

 

Do My Parents Need to Know?

In most cases, we will not tell your parents or carers what you have discussed with us unless you give permission.

We may encourage you to speak to a trusted adult, but the decision is yours if you are able to make informed choices.

If you do not want letters or communication sent home, you can ask us to:

 

Appointments at Chase Meadow Health Centre

You can book an appointment by:

Click – Appointments – Online Consultation – Contact us Online – I have a health problem. These steps will lead you to the page where you will start to fill your details on our online form. Your online consultation will then be triaged by one of our GPs. You will be contacted either by a phone call or via a text message – You can let us know how you would like to be contacted when you submit your form.

Reception staff may ask what your appointment is about. This is to ensure you see the right clinician. If it is personal, you can simply say:

‘I’d prefer to discuss this with the doctor or nurse.’

You can also request:

If you feel nervous, you can bring someone you trust for support.

 

Can I Choose My Doctor?

We cannot promise you will see your preferred clinician. But, If you feel uncomfortable with a doctor or nurse, you can request to see someone else. Please let reception know when you make your appointment.

Access to Your Health Records

Your health records include notes about your care and treatment.

Can I see my records?

Yes. You have the right to view your records in a format you understand.

Can my parents see them?

Usually, no – unless you give permission or a doctor believes you are not able to make decisions about your care.

 

Online Access & Proxy Access

At Chase Meadow Health Centre:

From age 16, you can:

If you share a phone number or email with a parent/carer, you can ask us to update your contact details when you turn 16.

 

If You’re Unhappy

If you are worried about how your information has been handled or feel something is wrong in your records:

If you would like to make a complaint, please contact the Practice Manager: Libby McIntyre or any member of staff you feel comfortable with.

 

Contraception & Sexual Health

Most contraception methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are the only method that protect against both pregnancy and STIs.

Where can I get help?

You can access free and confidential services from:

All services are confidential, including for under 16s.

Healthcare professionals follow strict guidelines. If there is a concern about your safety or wellbeing, they may need to involve another adult.

 

Useful Contacts

Childline

Free, confidential support for young people – Please call – 0800 1111 (24 hours a day)

Website – www.childline.org.uk

 

You can talk to us about anything. Your health, safety, and wellbeing are our priority at Chase Meadow Health Centre.