You are entitled to see a doctor anywhere in the UK if you are away from home and are in need of medical help. We will be happy to see any friends or relations staying with you if they need a doctor.
The surgery is provided with safe and easy access to wheelchair users and those with walking difficulties.
Please inform us immediately if you change your address or telephone number (including ex–directory numbers).
We ask you for personal information so that you can receive appropriate care and treatment and this information is kept secure. This information is recorded on computer and we are registered under the Data Protection Act. Every patient has a right of access to information held about them, unless it is likely to cause serious harm to their mental or physical health. If you would like to know more about how we store and share your information, please ask at the reception.
Primary care staff across each borough will be able to access your full medical record without consent during the COVID-19 pandemic but will only do so when this is necessary to provide you with care. They will be required to use a smartcard which confirms their identity, and which limits their access and actions to those appropriate for their role. They will all have been trained to understand their professional and legal responsibilities in providing you with care
All those working in the NHS have a legal obligation to maintain patient confidentiality. We are compliant with the Data Protection Act 2018, the Access to Health Records Act 1990, and the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
You, as patients, together with all partners and staff, have certain rights as well as responsibilities towards each other. The practice charter outlines these rights and responsibilities.
We encourage all our patients to share the responsibility for their health. Many diseases can be avoided by a healthy lifestyle and without the need for drugs. You are likely to be fitter and have a more enjoyable life if you do not smoke, maintain a healthy diet and have regular exercise.
Many conditions get better on their own and can be treated successfully at home. Your pharmacist may be able to help you with these and advise about medications you can buy over the counter.
Patients, clinicians and staff, have certain responsibilities towards each other.
Appointments
Please arrive in good time and book in at reception. If you cannot attend for your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible in order that your appointment can be offered to another patient. On occasions surgeries can run late because earlier consultations have taken longer than normal or your doctor has been called out to an emergency. We will offer an explanation when this happens and ask for your understanding and patience at such times.
Telephone
We aim to answer the telephone promptly and courteously. Peak demand generally occurs during the early morning and mid-afternoon. If possible, please telephone at other times – you will find it easier to get through.
Access
Please remember that your doctor may not always be available due to other commitments, holidays etc and you therefore need to book in advance to see a specific doctor. We will ensure that you will be able to see a doctor for acute need within 48 hours.
Change in Circumstance
We will keep you informed of changes within the practice that are likely to affect you. Please let us know if you change your name, address, telephone number (including ex–directory numbers) etc so that our records for you and other members of your family are up to date. Failure to do so may result in you being taken off our practice list by the Health Authority.
Zero Tolerance
We support the government's NHS zero tolerance zone campaign. GPs and their staff have the right to care for others without fear of being attacked or abused. Violent patients will be reported to the police and struck off the GP's list. We ask that you treat your GP and practice staff properly – without violence or abuse.