Confidentiality & Medical Records
The General Data Protection Regulations 2018 (GDPR) and the Data Processing Act 2018 came into force on 25th May 2018.
The practice complies with data protection and access to medical records legislation.
For more information about how we keep your medical records safe, who we share them with, your rights, and how you can access your records please go to:
Data Protection Policy
Data Security Policy
GDPR section of our website
Access to your Medical Record
Under the The General Data Protection Regulations 2018 (GDPR) and the Data Processing Act 2018 you have the right to access your personal data.
This is sometimes called a Subject Access Request (SAR).
You can do this verbally to anybody in the practice, electronically, or in writing. It is helpful if you use this form: Request for Copy of Record
We will respond within one month. We may need to ask you for documents to prove your identity.
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.
Accessible Information Standard (31st July 2016)
Click here for an Easy Read leaflet about the Accessible Information Standard
The Accessible Information Standard aims to make sure that disabled people have access to information that they can understand and any communication support they might need.
This includes making sure that patients, service users, their carers and parents get information in different formats if they need it, such as:
- Large print
- Easy Read
- Via eMail
The Accessible Information Standard also tells organisations how to support people’s communication needs, e.g. by offering support from an interpreter or an advocate.
As part of the Accessible Information Standard we have to carry out 5 tasks:
1 Ask people if they have any information or communication needs and find out how to meet those needs
2 Record those needs in a set way
3 Highlight a person’s file, so that it is clear that they have information or communication needs, and clearly explain how those needs should be met
4 Share information about a person’s needs with other NHS and adult social care providers, when they have consent or permission to do so
5 Make sure that people get information in an accessible way and communication support if they need it
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 who will deal with your concerns appropriately. Further written information is available regarding the complaints procedure from reception.
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.