Data Protection - Access to Medical Records
Under the Data Protection Act every patient has a right of access to their health records. In the case of a child’s health records, as a general rule, any person with parental responsibility will have right to apply for access to those records.
Occasionally requests for medical information may be received from persons other than the patient e.g. solicitors, insurance companies or relatives. The Practice will only supply such information after consent in writing from the patient has been received. The patient has a right to withhold their consent if they so wish.
N.B Please submit any request for access to health records in writing to the Practice Manager. Where patients request copies of information under the Data Protection Act, the Practice charges a fee of £50.
Patient Rights
You will be treated with respect and as a partner in your care. Being a partner means you have responsibilities too.
We will:
- Ensure our patients have 24-hour access to medical advice.
- Aim for you to have access to a suitably qualified medical professional within 48 hours of your initial contact during surgery hours, or in an urgent case, the same day.
- Work in partnership with you to achieve the best medical care possible.
- Involve you and listen to your opinions and views in all aspects of your medical care.
- Endeavour to ensure the prevention of disease, illness and injury is a primary concern.
The medical staff will advise and inform you of the steps you can take to promote good health and a healthy lifestyle. We would respectfully ask that you:
- Let us know if you intend to cancel an appointment or are running late.
- Treat staff with courtesy and respect. Reception staff may have to ask some personal questions to assist us in providing you with the best service
- Inform the practice staff of any alterations in your circumstances, such as change of surname, address or telephone number. Please ensure that we have your correct telephone number, even if it’s ex-directory.
As patients, you are responsible for your own health and that of any dependents. It is important that you adhere to information and advice given to you by health professionals, and co-operate with the practice in endeavouring to keep you healthy.
Violence Statement
The practice considers aggressivebehaviour to be any personal, abusive and/or aggressive comments,cursing and/or swearing, physical contact and/or aggressive gestures.
Thepractice will request the removal of any patient from the practice listwho is aggressive or abusive towards a doctor, member of staff, otherpatient, or who damages property.
All instances of actualphysical abuse on any doctor or member of staff, by a patient or theirrelatives will be reported to the police as an assault.
Please be aware that CCTV cameras operate in and around this surgery.