ID	EGM-CO-02	Name	Confidentiality Policy
Revision	2	Approved By	Jacqueline Daly
Approved Date	01/03/2021	Review Date	2023

References & Definitions

East Galway & Midlands Cancer Support: EGM
EGM-MA-01 Master List of Policies and Procedures

Implementation

In the course of your work as a Support Worker, you may have access to, or hear, information concerning the Medical or Personal Affairs of visitors, Staff or other Centre business. On no account is this information to be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty. In addition, records must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and they must be kept in safe custody when no longer required. Breaches of confidentiality are regarded as a serious offence. In the event of confidentiality being breached, a meeting will take place between the Support Worker, the Centre Manager and the Board of Directors of the Centre to investigate the matter.

Support Workers, (and members of Staff) are expected to pass on any sensitive information relating to the day to day welfare of visitors and others to the Centre Manager immediately. Whilst Management will strive to deal with this information in a sensitive manner, Support Workers should realise that absolute confidentiality cannot always be guaranteed.

PLEASE NOTE

Confidentiality will not apply if a visitor or Support Worker discloses the intention to harm themselves or others, or if they disclose that a child in their care/sphere of influence is being abused. In this case, this incident must be reported to the Centre Manager and the relevant authorities.