general information

TEMPORARY RESIDENTS

You are entitled to see a doctor anywhere in the UK if you are away from home and are in need of medical help. We will be happy to see any friends or relations staying with you if they need a doctor.
 

DISABLED ACCESS

The surgery is provided with safe and easy access to wheelchair users and those with walking difficulties.
 

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE NUMBER

Please inform us immediately if you change your address or telephone number (including ex-directory numbers).
 

VICTORIA COMMISSIONING CONSORTIUM

All of the local GPs have joined together to commission services for our patients and will be doing much more of this in the future.
 

Confidentiality and use of personal information in medical records

We ask you for personal information so that you can receive appropriate care and treatment and this information is kept secure. This information is recorded on computer and we are registered under the Data Protection Act. Every patient has a right of access to information held about them, unless it is likely to cause serious harm to their mental or physical health. If you would like to know more about how we store and share your information, please ask at the reception.

All those working in the NHS have a legal obligation to maintain patient confidentiality. We are compliant with the Data Protection Act 1998, the Access to Health Records Act 1990, and the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
 

PRACTICE CHARTER

You, as patients, together with all partners and staff, have certain rights as well as responsibilities towards each other. The practice charter outlines these rights and responsibilities.
 

SELF-HELP

We encourage all our patients to share the responsibility for their health. Many diseases can be avoided by a healthy lifestyle and without the need for drugs. You are likely to be fitter and have a more enjoyable life if you do not smoke, maintain a healthy diet and have regular exercise.

Many conditions get better on their own and can be treated successfully at home. Your pharmacist may be able to help you with these and advise about medications you can buy over the counter.
 

MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Patients, clinicians and staff, have certain responsibilities towards each other.

Appointments
Please arrive in good time and book in at reception. If you cannot attend for your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible in order that your appointment can be offered to another patient. On occasions surgeries can run late because earlier consultations have taken longer than normal or your doctor has been called out to an emergency. We will offer an explanation when this happens and ask for your understanding and patience at such times.

Telephone
We aim to answer the telephone promptly and courteously. Peak demand generally occurs during the early morning and mid-afternoon. If possible, please telephone at other times - you will find it easier to get through.

Access
Please remember that your doctor may not always be available due to other commitments, holidays etc and you therefore need to book in advance to see a specific doctor. We will ensure that you will be able to see a doctor for acute need within 48 hours.

Change in Circumstance
We will keep you informed of changes within the practice that are likely to affect you. Please let us know if you change your name, address, telephone number (including ex-directory numbers) etc so that our records for you and other members of your family are up to date. Failure to do so may result in you being taken off our practice list by the Health Authority.

Zero Tolerance
We support the government's NHS zero tolerance zone campaign. GPs and their staff have the right to care for others without fear of being attacked or abused. Violent patients will be reported to the police and struck off the GP's list. We ask that you treat your GP and practice staff properly - without violence or abuse.

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