Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 03 May 2024 at 21:15
The 28th January 2022 marks international Data Protection Day and acts as a reminder of our obligations to keep the information we produce, receive and use secure.
We are relying on technology more than ever before, even more so over the past 2 years during the pandemic, and it is imperative that the Trust continues to move forward with these updates and improve on our existing hard work. The Trust’s Data Protection Officer, Emma Sears, is responsible for ensuring the Trust meets its obligations under the Data Protection Act and provides advice to the Information Governance Team who do all the hard work putting this into practice!
Accessing data
The key message for this year is to consider what information you are accessing and why. There have been a number of incidents where the CAD has been accessed inappropriately or without a valid reason to do so and it is important for all staff to understand when and why they should access records. Before you read, stop and think. Do you need to review this information as part of your job role? Is there another valid reason for accessing the data? If in doubt, contact the Data Protection Officer or IG team who can offer advice.
In order to assure staff and the Trust that personal data is only being used appropriately, a new software called Fair Warning is being introduced. This enables the Trust to continue to support appropriate access of records and identify when records are being accessed outside of the Trust’s policies.
How can I get involved?
If you are interested in working with Emma Sears, the Trust’s Data Protection Officer, to improve data protection standards in the Trust and how we share these messages, we are looking to appoint data protection champions across the region. Please email dpo@eastamb.nhs.uk if you are interested in being involved in this.
Where can I go for help?
The IG team are re-starting the hugely successful IG workshops, please keep an eye on Need to Know for information on how to book a session. They will continue to be run virtually for the next few weeks but if you have any queries in the meantime, please email informationgovernance@eastamb.nhs.uk.
Published 28th January 2021