Test Results (Including X Rays)
Your doctor may need to do tests in the form of either bloods or specimens. These are sent away to the laboratory so please allow at least one full week for tests to come back. You will be asked to phone the surgery for your result and this can be done between the hours of 11.00am and 3.00pm . Please remember that receptionists are not medically trained so are unable to give you any clinical information and may ask you to make an appointment to see the doctor to discuss your results.
Ambulance Bookings
Ambulance transport to hospital is for those patients who are unable to make the journey by any other means – often the elderly, ill or infirm. Please ring the surgery after 12 noon to make ambulance bookings, giving as much notice as you can.
Charges
Charges may be made for services to patients which are not available on the NHS such as certain travel vaccinations, private medical certificates, private insurance claim forms and various types of medical examinations. The current charges are displayed at the surgery and these are based on the BMA recommendations
Change Of Personal Details
If you change your address or telephone number please let the surgery know so that your records may be altered. Even if you are ex-directory it would be helpful for us to have this number in your records – we may need to contact you urgently. If you have a mobile telephone, please let the practice know so that we use our text messaging service to remind you of any appointment you have or need to make.
Access To Patient Data
Patient information is protected by The Caldicott Guardians which means that access to your records is strictly on a ‘need-to-know’ basis. However, in order to provide high quality care, in particular clinical governance and clinical audits, which are wholly proper components of healthcare provision, non-identifiable information disclosures may take place. Patients also have right to access to their records please ask at Reception.
Freedom Of Information – Publication Scheme
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 obliges the practice to produce a Publication Scheme. A Publication Scheme is a guide to the ‘classes’ of information the practice intends to routinely make available. This scheme is available from reception.
Rights & Responsibilities of you the patient
You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect at all times during your visit to the surgery. We expect the same courtesy and strongly support the NHS policy on zero tolerance. Anyone attending the surgery who abuses the GPs, staff or other patients be it verbally, physically or in any threatening manner whatsoever, will risk removal from the practice list. In extreme cases we may summon the police to remove offenders from the practice premises. You must inform the practice if you are unable to keep any appointment or change any of your personal details
Complaints
We view any complaint as a means of finding out what is not working well and this can be done by either writing to the practice manager or contacting reception. Please pick up a complaints leaflet for further information.
