Film Processing
Our company, licensed for both Transport and Processing of Radiographic Films, operates one of the most modern recycling facilities in Greece for all types of radiographic films. such as Old Classic X-rays, CT Scan Images, Dry or Digital or Laser Films etc
The processing and recycling of radiographic films provided to our partners by our company safeguard patients’ personal data while contributing to environmental protection.
Radiographs are considered medical secrets, a concept of paramount importance in the proper practice of medicine. Processing radiographs must be done with utmost care to ensure the preservation of medical confidentiality.
Numerous articles have been written and significant studies conducted on the value of medical confidentiality. What becomes evident is that creating an environment of trust, respecting the patient’s privacy, ensuring that their private information will not be disclosed without their consent, encourages the patient to seek care and to be as honest as possible during their visit to any healthcare facility.
The Legal Framework of Medical Confidentiality
The Legal Framework of Medical Confidentiality primarily encompasses:
Article 371 “Violation of Professional Confidentiality” of the Penal Code, which states (Penal Code):
Clerics, lawyers and any kind of legal representatives, notaries, doctors, midwives, nurses, pharmacists, and other officials or professionals, to whom some individuals usually entrust private confidences due to their profession or status, as well as assistants of these individuals, who disclose confidential information entrusted to them or learned due to their profession or status, are punished with imprisonment up to one year or a fine. Penal Code Article 371, paragraph 1.Law 3418/2005 “Code of Medical Ethics,” primarily with Articles 13 “Medical Confidentiality” and 14 “Maintenance of Medical Records” (Law 3418/2005 “Code of Medical Ethics).
Law 2472/1997 “Protection of Personal Data,” mainly with Article 2 Definitions (paragraph b Classification of data concerning health as “Sensitive data”), Article 7 “Processing of sensitive data,” and Chapter E “Sanctions” with Articles 21 “Administrative sanctions,” 22 “Criminal sanctions” & 23 “Civil liability” (Law 2472/1997 “Protection of Personal Data).
Article 57 of the Civil Code “Right to Personality” (Civil Code).
Maintenance and Clearance of Medical Records
Regarding the maintenance and clearance of medical records, the provisions of Presidential Decrees 162/79, 768/80, 87/81, 480/85, and 11/81 generally apply, concerning the clearance of records of Public Services and Legal Entities of Public Law (NΠΔΔ). Specifically for hospital medical records, Presidential Decree 1258/81 (Article 2) applies, stipulating that the following should be retained: patient registers for 50 years, patient files for 20 years from discharge, clinical accounting books for 5 years, surgical intervention and childbirth books for 15 years.
Legal Framework for Collection & Recycling
The radiographic films, besides their role as medical confidentiality, are classified as solid, non-hazardous waste in the European Waste Catalog and should not be disposed of in household waste but managed by recycling companies.
Upon collection from any healthcare facility or private entity, the Collection & Transportation Permit must be provided, which should include these materials and authorize their transportation (Note: this permit only grants the right for the transportation of materials to the processing unit and NOT for the storage or processing of the radiographs), along with the processing license (AEPΟ – Environmental Terms Approval) of the final recipient, who must demonstrate the processing, destruction, and recycling of the radiographic films.
Secure Distruction
For films (radiographic and lithographic), it is not feasible or practical to document the destruction of materials. However, once our company receives the films and provides you with a ‘Certificate of Confidential Destruction,’ we are responsible and accountable for the confidential destruction of any personal data contained therein.
Our company accepts the receipt of shredded films, which we solely direct towards recycling, especially for large quantities (200 kilograms and above). Destruction can occur either in your presence or in the presence of an authorized person at our facilities.
GreenFence
Our company, licensed for both Transportation and Processing of Radiographic Films, possesses one of the most advanced recycling facilities in Greece. We handle all types of radiographic films, including Old Classic X-rays, CT Scan Images, Dry or Digital or Laser Films, Dental X-rays, and Radiography Rolls, among others
Lithographic and Other Films
Lithographic films, paper films, plate printing films, as well as industrial radiography films, all require the same environmental management. The sensitivity and confidentiality of data are determined by their producer. In cases of high confidentiality, our company can provide you with all the solutions needed for the confidential destruction and recycling processes.