Practice Charter

Confidentiality

Strict adherence is made to the laws regarding the confidentiality of your medical records. Third parties including spouses, parents (for those over 16 years), insurance companies, police etc will only be allowed access after we have your written permission. (Any duplicate letters or reports in your files will be destroyed by a shredding machine.) Our receptionists and administration staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the doctors and nurses.

Medical Records

Patients can request access to their own written and computer records if requested, although the records may not be removed from the practice premises. If you require copies or a computer printout, a charge is made for this to cover costs incurred (details of charges are available at reception).

Access to medical records for people outside the health care team (or who are involved in the patient’s clinical care) is only given with the patient’s express written permission. District nurses and health visitors have access to the medical records of the patients in their care.

Comments

We welcome your feedback as a positive way of improving services. There is a comment and suggestions box at the back of the waiting area or if you prefer, feel free to discuss your thoughts with any member of staff. If you would like to discuss them further you can make an appointment with our practice manager.

Complaints

If you have a complaint, the practice has an in-house complaints procedure and information and forms are available at reception. However, if you wish to speak to the practice manager, please ask at the desk.

Zero Tolerance

All staff at the surgery have the right to carry out their work without threat of violence. The surgery has a policy of removing from our list any patient who is physically or verbally abusive or threatening towards any member of our staff or other patients. We promise to treat all our patients with respect, and in return we feel our staff are entitled to the same respect.

Children

Parents and carers are requested to ensure that children remain supervised at all times and do not cause any inconvenience to other patients and staff. Young children must not be left unattended in the reception area.

Freedom Of Information - Publication Scheme

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 obliges the practice to produce a Publication Scheme. A Publication Scheme is a guide to the 'classes' of information the practice intends to routinely make available. This scheme is available from reception.