Our aim is to offer our patients a fast, efficient and friendly service. However, to enable us to do this we require some help from yourselves.
- Please do not request home visits unless you are housebound or genuinely too ill to attend the surgery
- If you have several problems you wish to discuss with the doctor, please ask for a longer appointment. Hurried consultations are unsatisfactory for both doctor and patient alike
- The out-of-hours service is for emergencies and urgent problems which cannot wait until the following day to be seen. Please do not abuse this service
- If you are unable to attend an appointment, please cancel as early as possible, as this frees the appointment for someone else
- We always welcome suggestions as to any changes we can make to improve patient care and the services we offer. If you have any suggestions, please let us know by putting your idea in writing to the practice manager.
Confidentiality
We ask you for personal information so that you can receive appropriate care and treatment. This information is recorded on computer and we are registered under the data protection act. The practice will ensure that patient confidentiality is maintained at all times by all members of the practice team. However, for the effective functioning of a multi-disciplinary team it is sometimes necessary that medical information about you is shared between members of the team.
Comments
We are happy to accept and consider comments and suggestions from our patients to help us improve the quality of service we offer. Please present your views in writing at reception or use our suggestion box.
Zero Tolerance
We strongly support the NHS policy on Zero Tolerance. Anyone attending the surgery who abuses the GP's staff or other patients be it verbally, physically or in any threatening manner whatsoever, will risk removal form the practice list. In extreme cases we may summon the police to remove offenders from the practice premises.
Freedom Of Information
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.
Change Of Address
If you move home please inform the receptionist as soon as possible. We will be able to tell you if you are still in our practice area. We will need your new address and telephone number.
Access to Patients Records
Information contained in your medical records is kept confidential at all times and is only disclosed to other qualified health professionals for purposes relating to your health (except where you have given written consent and permission to do so).
From time to time NHS auditors have a duty to carry out routine checks of practice records to determine if claims made by the practice are correct. In the course of these checks, it may be necessary to verify details from your medical records. Medical records are sometimes examined as part of the education and monitoring of NHS staff. These checks are undertaken in accordance with strict protocols agreed with the Health Authority, the Local Medical Committee and Community Health Council.
All staff working for the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential and all our employees at Sandy Lane Surgery have signed a confidentiality agreement.
If you have any concerns or objections about your records being inspected for these purposes please notify the practice via your GP or Practice Manager. Your wishes will be respected.