Confidentiality

We need to ask you for personal information so that you can receive the appropriate care and treatment. This information is recorded on the computer and we are registered under the Data Protection Act.

The practice will ensure that patient confidentiality is maintained at all times by all the members of the practice team. However, for the effective functioning of a multi-disciplinary team it is sometimes necessary that medical information about you is shared between members of the team.

Freedom of Information

The ICO has published a new Model Publication Scheme that all public authorities are required to adopt.

Model Publication Scheme - further information

Comments & Complaints

We are very happy to receive constructive comments and suggestions for improving our service to patients.

GP's Responsibilities

• You will be treated as an individual and will be given courtesy and respect at all times.
• You have the right to be treated confidentially.
• Respect for religious and cultural beliefs will be honoured.
• We will normally answer the telephone promptly and courteously.
• You have a right to information about your own health (illness and treatment, possible side effects, prevention or recurring illness etc). We will offer medical advice and information for promotion of good health. You have the right to see your own medical records subject to the limitations of the law. A charge may be paid.
• Home visits will be made when requested and if a doctor feels that you are not well enough to attend the surgery. The final decision rests with the doctor.
• We may give you test results when you telephone the surgery for them, or you may be asked to make an appointment with the doctor to discuss them.
• On registering as a new patient you can book a routine health check with our practice nurse.
• If your doctor believes that you need a second opinion, then they will arrange this.
• You will be given a time to see a doctor in accordance with the system used in this practice. If there is a substantial delay for any reason you will be given an explanation.
• Repeat prescriptions will normally be ready within 24 hours.
• Routine referral letters for hospital appointments will normally be dispatched within two working days of the referral being agreed with the doctor. Urgent referrals for hospital appointments may be faxed, telephoned or provided as a handwritten note for the patient to take to the hospital. Your referral may be processed via the NHS Choose & Book system if the service required is available and you will be given all the relevant information to attend/book your hospital appointment.

Patient Responsibilities

• We ask that you treat all our doctors and all practice staff with courtesy and respect.
• You are responsible for your own health and that of your children. Please take the advice given to you by the practice.
• Let us know immediately if you change name, address or telephone number.
• Please try and contact the surgery before 10.30am when requesting a home visit.
• Please request a night visit only if it is truly necessary.
• Please let us know immediately if you are unable to keep an appointment. We can then offer the appointment to someone else.

Staff Protection

A zero tolerance policy towards violent, threatening and abusive behaviour is now in place throughout the National Health Service. The staff in this practice have the right to do their work in an environment free from such behaviour and everything will be done to protect that right.

At no time will any violent, threatening or abusive behaviour be tolerated in this practice. If you do not respect the rights of our staff we may choose to inform the police and will make arrangements for you to be removed from our practice list.