FAQ's Cont.
Patient Conduct
We operate a "Zero Tolerance" policy regarding violence, discrimination or abuse towards the doctors and staff involved in your care. Patients who are violent or abusive will be removed from the list and police action may also be taken.
Please treat our staff as you would wish to be treated yourself.
Complaints
We try to provide the best medical care and service that we can. If you feel that this has not happened, or you have comments or concerns, please let the Practice Manager know as soon as possible. We have a Practice Complaints Procedure, a copy of which is available from Reception.
Access to Medical Records & information about Patients
Our Guiding Principle is that we are holding your records in strict Confidence.
The Data Protection Act 1998 allows you to find out what information about you is held on computer and in certain manual records. This is known as "right of subject access". If you wish to see your health records, you should make a written request to the Practice. You are entitled to receive a copy of your records, but should be aware that a charge will be made. You should also be aware that some details in your health records may be limited in your own interest or for other reasons.
How your records are used to help you
Your records are used to guide professionals in the care you receive to ensure that your doctor, nurse of any other healthcare professional involved in your care has accurate and up-to-date information to assess your health and decide what care you need. Full information is available if you see another doctor or are referred to a specialist or another part of the NHS. Your records provide a good basis for assessing the type and quality of care you have received. Your concerns can be properly investigated if you need to complain.
How we keep your records confidential
- Everyone working for the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential.
- You may be receiving care from other organisations as well as the NHS (e.g. Social Services) and we may need to share information about you so that we can work together for your benefit.
- We will only ever use or pass on information about you if others involved in your care have a genuine need to receive the information.
- We will not disclose your information to third parties without your written permission unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as where the health and safety of others is at risk, or where the law requires information to be passed on.
- Anyone who receives information from us is also under a legal duty to keep it confidential.
- We are required by law to report certain information to the appropriate authorities. This is only provided after formal permission has been given by a qualified Health Professional. Examples include where we encounter infectious diseases which may endanger the safety of others, or where a formal Court Order has been issued.
