Suggestions and Complaints
We aim to give a high quality service. Please approach any member of staff if you have a suggestion, complaint or comment. We value your input.
Late Policy
In order to maintain the efficiency of the appointment system, late arrivals may be required to re-book.
Your NHS Number
Your NHS number is becoming more important. It is now the single most important patient identifier throughout the NHS. Patients are encouraged to “know their number” . The staff will inform you of your number on request
Freedom of Information
Following a review of FOIA publications schemes, in line with section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act, the Information Commissioner has approved a new model publication scheme which should be adopted by all public authorities and will be effective from 1st January 2009.
At this stage, the practice cannot be fully compliant with the Information Commissioner's guidance, however,much of the information that we are expected to share is already available from this website or upon request. An up-to-date summary of the practice's position is available from our website and the completed project will be available to view from 1st April 2009.
Data Protection Act – Patient Information
We need to hold personal information about you on our computer system and in paper records, to help us to look after your health needs and your doctor is responsible for their accuracy and safekeeping. Please help to keep your record up to date by informing us of any changes to your circumstances.
Electronic transfer of patient data
There is a statutory and contractual obligation on practices under the new GMS contract to have in place a written procedure for the transfer electronically of patient data.The Practice has a Protocol, the purpose of which is to define circumstances in which this takes place within the practice and the administrative and security procedures that will apply. Please ask at Reception if you wish to see this procedure.
For the purposes of this, electronic transmission is defined as: email, fax, pathology test results, out of hour's transmissions (OOH) and electronic prescription requesting (EPMS). The overriding standard applicable to each of these is the Data Protection Act 1998.
Doctors and staff in the Practice have access to your medical records to enable them to do their jobs. From time to time, information may be shared with others involved in your care, if it is necessary. Anyone with access to your record is properly trained in confidentiality issues and is governed by both a legal and contractual duty to keep your details private.
All information about you is held securely and appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent accidental loss. In some circumstances,we may be required by law to release your details to statutory or other official bodies, for example if a court order is presented, or in the case of Public Health Issues. In other circumstances you may be required to give written consent before information is released – such as for medical reports for insurance, solicitors etc.
To ensure your privacy,we will not disclose information over the telephone or fax unless we are sure that we are talking to you. Information will not be disclosed to family, friends or spouses, unless we have prior written consent, and we do not leave messages with others.
You have a right to see your records if you wish. Please ask at Reception if you would like further details. An appointment will be required. In some circumstances a fee may be payable