Information Governance Policy

Introduction

ASPH Trust (hereby referred to as ‘the Trust’) depends on the use and flow of information and data in order to deliver patient care and to meet its mandate. The confidentiality, availability and integrity of all information held and used by, or on behalf of, the Trust must therefore be assured. This requires robust Information Governance in order to:

• support clinical delivery, service planning and performance;
• enable the effective management of services and resources;
• ensure that all types of information in all formats are sourced, held and used appropriately, securely and legally;
• protect privacy and confidentiality;
• ensure the effective application of information security standards and behaviours throughout the Trust through a defined set of accountabilities;
• maintain public Trust.

This Policy describes the accountability framework for handling information in a confidential and secure manner to the appropriate professional and quality standards required of a modern health service. It brings together independent yet associated requirements and standards of practice, including people, policies, processes and technology.

The Trust recognises the need for an appropriate balance between openness and confidentiality in the management and use of information. Ensuring data quality through the use of accurate, timely and relevant information is essential to deliver the highest quality health care. As such, it is the responsibility of all clinicians and managers to ensure and promote the quality of information and to use information appropriately and actively in decision-making processes.

Policy Details