The NHS Constitution
The NHS is there for us from the moment we are born. It takes care of us and our family members when we need it most.
The NHS Constitution has been created to protect the NHS and make sure it will always do the things it was set up to do in 1948 – to provide high-quality healthcare that’s free and for everyone.
No government can change the Constitution without the full involvement of staff, patients and the public. The Constitution is a promise that the NHS will always be there for you.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
We respect your right to privacy and keep all your health information confidential and secure.
It is important that the NHS keeps accurate and up-to-date records about your health and treatment so that those treating you can give the best possible advice and care.
This information is only available to those involved in your care and you should never be asked for personal medical information by anyone not involved in your care.
You have a right to know what information we hold about you. If you would like to see your records, please call into the surgery where you will be asked to complete a request form (please note an admin fee may be payable).
Data Protection Act – Patient Information
Freedom of Information
The ICO has published a new Model Publication Scheme that all public authorities are required to adopt. All requests for such information should be made to the Practice Manager.
Access to Records
In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Access to Health Records Act, patients may request to see their medical records. Such requests should be made through to the Practice Manager and may be subject to an administration charge.
Information will not be released without the patient consent unless we are legally obliged to do so.
Complaints
We make every effort to give the best service possible to everyone who attends our practice. We are aware however that things can go wrong and this can result in a patient feeling that they have a genuine reason for complaint.
If you feel you need to escalate a concern or grievance, please do get in touch with the Practice Manager who will deal with your concerns suitably. A complaints leaflet is available on request from our reception team. Patients do have a right to assistance with any complaint from:
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
The Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS)
The Care Quality Commission.
NHS Zero Tolerance Policy
The NHS operates a zero tolerance policy with respect to violence and abuse and the practice has the right to remove violent patients from the list with immediate effect in order to safeguard practice staff, patients and other persons.
Violence in this context includes actual or threatened physical violence or verbal abuse which leads to fear for a person’s safety. In this situation we will notify the patient in writing of their removal from the list and record in the patient’s medical records the fact of the removal and the circumstances leading to it.
Allocated GP
From 1st April 2015, all practices are required to allocate a named accountable GP to all patients. Our patients will be assigned a named GP and we can advise you of who this upon request. This will not in any way affect you accessing any member of our clinical team.
Chaperones
You can have a chaperone for any consultation, examination or procedure if you would like one. A chaperone can be a friend, family member or a trained healthcare professional such as a practice nurse. You do not have to accept a particular person offered to you as a chaperone. If you have asked for a chaperone but there is no-one immediately available you can re-schedule your appointment.