Patient responsibilities

The practice is entitled to:

  • receive co-operation, civility and courtesy from its patients at all times
  • patience if the clinicians are running late – on another occasion it might be you who needs the extra time
  • not to be asked for another member of the family to be seen at your appointment without making prior arrangements

We are an NHS practice and follow the NHS guidelines for violent or abusive patients. The NHS will not tolerate violent or abusive behaviour towards any member of staff, other patients or repeated abuse of its facilities including emergency or out of hours service. If this happens you will be removed from the practice list.

Patients’ rights

Patients at this practice are entitled to:

  • be provided with services in a courteous, civil and co-operative manner
  • a clear explanation of and advice on the patient’s medical condition and any proposed treatment
  • a referral for specialist medical opinion or other second opinion where appropriate
  • receive information via the practice about any relevant health promotion exercise and preventative medicine initiatives
  • absolute confidentiality of medical records maintained by the practice subject to any provisions for disclosure imposed or allowed by law
  • access their own personal health records, in accordance with the Data Protection Act
  • have any formal complaint against the practice investigated and dealt with fairly and according to the practice complaints procedure
  • request (either in writing or verbally) to be seen by a particular doctor. We shall endeavour to comply with this request but it is not always possible
  • a health check on request for patients aged 16-74 who have not been seen at the practice for 3 years
  • annual health checks on request for patients who are over 75