What you tell the Doctor, nurse or any health professional is subject to strict confidentiality rules. We cannot release information to other persons about any aspect of your care, without your consent or in exceptional circumstances determined by law (e.g., informing public health services of infectious diseases)

Young people under 18 also have rights to medical confidentiality but we encourage young people to involve their families in managing their medical problems.

Rights

Patients have a right to confidentiality.
Where possible, patients may choose to consult any doctor within the practice subject to availability of appointments or home visit workload. In cases of short notice or emergency, the practice nominates a duty doctor in rotation.
In the event of a complaint, patients have access to the practice complaints procedure. This can be accessed via the Practice Manager or Dr Grant.
A chaperone may be requested by any patient if they would prefer to have one.
Female patients are required to have a female chaperone (normally a nurse) during gynaecological examination by a male doctor.
Patients have access to their medical records in keeping with the Access to Medial Records Act 1990, subsumed within the Data Protection Act, subject to the recommended administration fee.
The practice operates an anti-discrimination policy.
The practice strives to run appointments to time. If an appointment is running more than 30 minutes late, patients
will be notified.

Responsibilities

To participate in own healthcare and treatment.
To attend booked appointments or cancel giving 24 hours notice if possible.
Abusive or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated and will result in removal from the list.
Patients treated for Drug Addiction are required to sign a Contract Agreement.

Due to the increase in missed appointments, it would be appreciated if you could let us know as early as possible if you are unable to make your agreed appointment. Failure to do so will reduce the number of available appointments for other patients.

All medical records are confidential. You may consent to release of these records e.g., to solicitors or insurance companies.

If you wish to view your records, please contact our Practice Manager.

Your records are stored on computer and as paper records. We perform regular internal audits and reviews of our care. We are also required to take part in external audits for the PCT, to allow them to assess our standards of care. Patient details are anonymised for confidentiality purposes.

If you wish to speak to a doctor for advice, please contact reception on 334 3602 who will make arrangements.

If you require to speak with communications or interpreter services, please contact reception.

To assist disabled patients the practice may be accessed by a ramp facility at both east and west entrances.