Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Choice of Practitioner

Patients are registered with the practice rather than individual GPs. However, you may ask to be seen by a practitioner of your choice. This may result in your having to wait longer to be seen as it limits the range of appointments we can offer you.

You may be asked to accept an alternative if, for example, a service required is delivered by another professional member of the practice. Patients will be asked in writing if they have a preferred practitioner at the time of completing an application to join the practice, though they may also express this wish verbally.

Data Protection

The Practice stores information on computer to prepare prescriptions, arrange appointments and recall data such as cervical smears, etc. Under the Data Protection Act 1998 we are obliged to keep your data confidential. Practice staff may have access to confidential information to enable them to carry out their duties. Occasionally we pass some information to other National Health Service organisations. This is only done when it is needed to ensure that you receive the best possible medical care. If there is any information concerning you or your children, that you do not wish to be used in this way, please inform the practice manager.

Our staff are required to treat your information in the strictest confidence. Failure to do so can result in dismissal

We undertake medical research at the Practice and use anonymous data analysis. If you object to your data being used in this way, please write to the practice manager who will take steps to ensure your data is not used.

Equal Opportunities

The Practice aims not to discriminate on the grounds of age, creed, disability, gender, race or sexuality.

Violent or Abusive Patients

For everyone?s benefit, we do not accept violent or abusive behaviour. Anyone who is abusive to any member of staff or any other patient may be removed from our patient list. Anyone who is violent or causes damage or indulges in criminal behaviour against the Practice will be removed from the list immediately and reported to the police.

Help Us to Help You

1. Please try to attend surgery whenever possible. Home visits take up more of the doctor?s time and should only be requested if you are too ill or frail to leave home.

2. Please remember an appointment is for one person only. If you have several problems you may need more than one appointment or ask for a ?double? appointment.

3. Please keep your appointment and give as much notice as possible if you are unable to attend.

4. Please inform us of any change in your address or circumstances, and make sure we have your up to date telephone number.

5. Please treat our staff with courtesy.

6. If you would like to speak with more confidentiality to the receptionists, please advise reception staff on arrival.

Freedom of Information

The practice complies with the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Information is available on request from the Practice Manager.