Confidentiality and Your Rights as a Young Person
As a young person, you have the right to confidential healthcare — whatever your age. You can see a doctor or nurse on your own if you prefer, and our reception staff can help arrange an appointment without a parent or carer. If you do come with someone else, like a parent, carer or friend, you can still ask to speak to the GP on your own for part of the consultation.
Anything you share with a health professional will be kept private, including if you’re under 16. This means you can talk to us confidentially about personal issues such as:
- Sex and relationships
- Pregnancy and contraception
- Drugs or alcohol
- Feeling low, anxious or stressed
Health professionals will only share information about you if it’s needed to give you the best care — for example, if you’re referred to another service, like a clinic or hospital. They’ll only share what’s necessary, and you can let us know if there’s anything you don’t want to be passed on.
If a doctor or nurse ever feels you are at risk of serious harm or in danger, they may need to speak to another adult to help protect you — but they will always try to talk with you first and explain what’s happening and why.
In rare cases, such as if you have a serious illness that could put others at risk (like meningitis), health services may be required by law to share information without your permission. But this would only happen in very specific and serious situations.
We’re here to support you safely, respectfully, and without judgment — whatever you’re facing.
For more information – https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/consent-to-treatment/children/