Zero Tolerance We strongly support the NHS policy on zero tolerance. Anyone attending the surgery who abuses the GPs, staff or other patients be it verbally, physically or in any threatening manner whatsoever, will risk removal from the practice list. In extreme cases we may summon the police to remove offenders from the practice premises.
Confidentiality The patient has the right to expect that information about them will be held in confidence by their doctors.
Chaperones It is our policy to respect the privacy and dignity of our patients. If you would like a chaperone to be present during a physical examination/consultation, or if you would prefer to be examined by a health professional of the same gender as yourself, please let us know and we will do our best to comply with your wishes.
Information For Health Your doctor and nurses need to make notes about any illnesses you have, treatment you receive, test results and other information relevant to your condition in order to provide you with proper care and treatment. We keep this information because we may need to see you again or you may see another doctor.
Access to Medical Records Patients can normally see their own computer record in the consulting room as the doctor or nurse use it. 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 copies or a computer printout is approved, a charge is made for this to cover costs incurred. 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.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION Requests
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives you the right to ask any public sector organisation for the recorded information they have on any subject. Anyone can make a request for information – there are no restrictions on your age, nationality or where you live. Some sensitive information might not be available to members of the public. If this is the case, we will tell you why we have withheld some or all of the information you requested. The practice will charge for information requests, in line with the FOI Act Fees Regulations or other applicable regulations, including Data Protection Act 1998, to cover administration costs.
ANNUAL INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL AUDIT
