All practice Policies are reviewed annually and all staff undergo a variety annual Statutory and Mandatory of training which includes the following:
- Equality and Diversity training
- Conflict Resolution
- Safeguarding
- Data Security
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Customer Service
Statement of Purpose
General Practice Transparency Notice
General Practice Transparency Notice for GPES Data for Pandemic Planning and Research (COVID-19)
Confidentiality & Medical Records
All matters relating to individual patients are treated as strictly confidential. We will only give details about appointments, test results etc. to you personally and not to a relative or representative. All staff at the practice have access to patient records at appropriate and relevant levels. Patient information will only be passed onto 3rd parties (eg solicitors) only with the patient’s specific written consent.
The practice is registered under the Data Protection Act & works within Caldicott Guidance.
Privacy notice
GP Practice - PinPoint Test Evaluation Privacy Notice
FAQs GDPR and My GP patient Record
How we use your data leaflet
Data & Information Security Policy
Confidentiality Policy - Patients under 18
Accessible Information Standard Policy
The Accessible Information Standard directs and defines a specific, consistent approach to identifying, recording, flagging, sharing and meeting the information and communication support needs of patients, service users, carers and parents, where those needs relate to a disability, impairment or sensory loss.
It is of particular relevance to individuals who are blind, d/Deaf, deaf blind and / or who have a learning disability, although it will support anyone with information or communication needs relating to a disability, impairment or sensory loss, for example people who have aphasia or a mental health condition which affects their ability to communicate.
The Standard applies to service providers across the NHS and adult social care system, and it specifically aims to improve the quality and safety of care received by individuals with information and communication needs, and their ability to be involved in autonomous decision-making about their health, care and wellbeing.
Registered patients will have an alert added to the home page of their medical notes and a pop-up will prompt anyone who opens their record to ask about their needs.
New patients registering with the practice, will be asked about their information or communication needs at the point of registration.
Freedom of Information
Information about the General Practioners and the practice required for disclosure under this act can be made available to the public. 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 the practice manager and may be subject to an administration charge. No information will be released without the patient consent unless we are legally obliged to do so.
Equality & Diversity
Equality and Diversity Policy
Sexual Orientation Policy
Complaints
If you have a complaint or concern about the service you have received from the doctors or any of the staff working in the practice, please let us know.
We operate a practice Complaints Procedure as part of the NHS system for dealing with complaints. Should you require assistance you can contact :- Patient Advisory Liaison Service on 0800 052 5270.
Complaints Brochure 2022
Suggestions
If you have any suggestions for improvements in the way the surgery operates, please put in writing and put in the prescription box in the waiting room.
Zero Tolerance Policy
The practice has a policy in relation to abusive and threatening behaviour – if any patient behaves in this way, as a consequence they may be removed from the practice list.
Zero Tolerance Policy
Violence Policy
The NHS operate a zero tolerance policy with regard 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.
CCTV Information
CCTV Practice Leaflet
CCTV Policy
Private Fees and Charges
Why do GP’s charge fees? Your questions answered
The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions. Prescription charges have existed since 1951, and there are a number of other services for which fees are charged. Sometimes the charge is made to cover some of the cost of treatment, for example dental fees. In other cases it is because the service isn’t covered by the NHS, for example, medical reports for insurance companies, claimson private health insurance and other letters and forms which require the doctor to review the patient’s medical records.
It is important to understand that GP’s are not employed by the NHS, they are self-employed, and they have to cover their costs- staff, buildings, heating, lighting etc.- in the same wayas any small business
The NHS pays the doctor for specific NHS work, but for non NHS the fee has to cover the doctor’s costs
What is covered by the NHS and what is not?
The government’s contract with GP’s covers medical services to NHS patients. In recent years, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GP’s are asked is because they are in a position of trust in the community, or because an insurance company or employer wants to be sure that information provided is true and accurate
Examples of non-NHS services for which GP’s can charge their patients
- Certain travel vaccinations
- Private medical insurance reports
- Holiday cancellation forms
- Referral for private care forms
- Letters requested by or on behalf of, the patient
- In certain instances fitness to work forms
Examples of non-NHS services for which GP’s can charge other institutions are?
- Medical reports for an insurance company
- Some reports for the DSS/Benefits agency
- Examinations of local authority employees
Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form?
Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of his/her patients. Most GP’s have a very heavy workload- the majority of GP’s work up to 60 hours a week and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time. In addition non-NHS workmust be undertaken outside of NHS contracted time.
I only need the doctor’s signature - what is the problem?
When a doctor signs a certificate or completes a report, it is a condition of remaining on the Medical Register that they only sign what they know to be true. Therefore in order to complete even the simplest of forms, the doctor needs to check the patient’s entire record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor, with the General Medical Council or even the Police.