Our approach to your healthcare

 

Patient's rights and responsibilities

 

As a patient you have the right to:

 

• be registered with a named doctor
• change doctor if desired (but please remember that you may have to see any of the doctors if your need is urgent)
• receive emergency care
• receive appropriate drugs and medicines
• be referred for specialist or second opinion if they and the GP agrees
• see your medical records or a copy, subject to certain laws
• know that by law, everyone working for the NHS must keep the contents of your medical records private.

 

With these rights come responsibilities for the public.

 

This means being:

 

• courteous to staff at all times
• as prompt as possible for all appointments
• responsible for cancelling appointments in adequate time.

 

Who has access to patient information

 

We respect your right to privacy and keep all your health information confidential and secure. It is important that the NHS keeps accurate and up-to-date records about your health and treatment so that those treating you can provide the best possible care. We have a fully computerised medical record system which means information about your healthcare is held on a secure server. You have the right to know what information we hold about you. Please ask the receptionist if you wish to see or obtain a copy of your record. If you are referred to a hospital specialist you are also welcome to request a copy of the referral letter. NHS Connecting for Health is currently developing the National Care Records Service, which will create a Summary Care Record (SCR) for each individual patient (by 2011), to be held centrally. At this pilot stage the record is limited to current medication, known allergies and adverse reactions. Eventually the aim is to enable healthcare staff jointly involved in your care, such as your GP and your hospital consultant, to easily access and share information through this national record. You

have the right to withdraw your consent to information being shared.

 

Policy on violent or abusive patients

 

We aim to treat our patients courteously at all times and expect our patients to treat our staff in a similarly respectful way. We take seriously any threatening, abusive or violent behaviour against any of our staff or patients. If a patient is violent or abusive, they will be warned to stop their behaviour. If they persist, we may exercise our right to take action to have them removed, immediately if necessary, from our list of patients.

 

Change of patient's personal details

 

If you change your name, address or contact details (such as your telephone number or email address), please let us know as soon as possible so that we can update our records. If you are receiving treatment at a hospital it might also be a good idea to inform them of any changes so that both our records are consistent when we communicate with them.

 

When should I see a nurse?

 

Nurses based at our practice treat patients for a wide range of common conditions (e.g. minor injuries/illnesses, removing stitches, travel vaccinations, immunisations and so on). You can expect to see a nurse within one working day. Our practice nurses are also specially trained to run routine clinics for certain conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. (Each of our nurses specialises in a different area, so you need to book ahead with the most appropriate person). Our reception staff will be able to advise whether a nurse appointment is appropriate.