Confidentiality

We ask for information about you so that you can receive the best possible care and treatment. We keep this informaton, together with details of your care, to ensure that your doctors or nurses have accurate and up to date information. It also may be needed if we see you again.

There are times when we have to pass on informaton about you to other people such as hospitals, Social Services or the Primary Care Trust. This is always done confidentially or by removing your identifying details when they are not essential.

Everyone working for the NHS has a legal duty to maintain the highest level of confidentiality about patient information. If, at any time, you would like to know more about how we use your information you can speak to one of our practice managers.

Freedom of Information

The ICO has published a new Model Publication Scheme that all public authorities are required to adopt.

Model Publication Scheme - further information

Comments & Complaints

We make every effort to give the best service possible to everyone who attends our practice.

However, we are aware that things can go wrong resulting in a patient feeling that they have a genuine cause for complaint. If this is so, we would wish for the matter to be settled as quickly, and as amicably, as possible.

To pursue a complaint please contact the practice manager and she will deal with your concerns appropriately. Further written information is available on the complaints procedure from reception.

We are continually striving to improve our service. Any helpful suggestions would be much appreciated and a suggestion box is located in the waiting area.

UK Ombudsman Services

The Health Service Ombudsman in England

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman website contains detailed information on raising a complaint about any aspect of the NHS in England. There is also a leaflet explaining the procedure of bringing a complaint to the ombudsman.

The Data Protection Act 1998 allows you to find out what information about you is held on computer and in certain manual records.

If you would like to see or have copies of your medical records you should put your request in writing to us.  Please ask at reception for a copy of our Practice application form.  Please note that a charge will usually be made.  You should also be aware that in certain circumstances your right to see some details in your health records may be limited in your own interest or for other reasons.

If you require further information about accessing your medical records please ask to speak to the Practice Manager.