Other Information

Confidentiality

We ask you for personal information so that you can receive appropriate care and treatment. This information is recorded on computer and we are registered under the Data Protection Act. The practice will ensure that patient confidentiality is maintained at all times by all 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.

Complaints

We always try to provide the best service possible, but there may be times when you feel this has not happened. The following information explains our in-house complaints procedure, drawn up to respond to patient grievances. Our practice procedure is not able to deal with questions of legal liability or compensation. We hope you will use it to allow us to look into and, if necessary, correct any problems that you have identified, or mistakes that have been made. If you use this procedure it will not affect your right to complain to the Health Service Authority. Please note that we have to respect our duty of confidentiality to patients and a patient’s consent will be necessary if a complaint is not made by the patient in person. If you wish to make a complaint we would like you to let us know in writing as soon as possible. We shall acknowledge your complaint within two working days and aim to have looked into the complaint within 10 working days.

Comments and Suggestions

We welcome appreciation, suggestions and comments. In this way we can learn to work together for your reliable care. Please present your views in writing at reception or use the suggestion box.

Zero Tolerance

The practice supports the NHS policy of zero tolerance with regard to violence or abuse to the doctors, staff or others on the practice premises or other locations where treatment may take place. Persons abusing this policy may be reported to the police and removed from the practice list.

Freedom Of Information

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.

Medical Students

From time to time the practice does take on medical students for the purpose of training. The receptionist will let you know if there is a medical stuent with the doctor or nurse. If you do not wish the medical student to be present, please let the receptionist or doctor / nurse know and your request will be granted.

Patient Participation Group

Patients from the surgery formed a Patient Participation Group which meets at regular intervals with members of staff to discuss surgery-related issues. If you are interested in joining please ask at reception for further details.