Confidential patient data will be shared within the practice health care team and with other health care professionals to whom you are referred for care.  Your data may be used by those clinical teams providing your care for the essential purpose of clinical audit.  Any data required for a broader purpose of public health and audit or research will by anonymised before disclosure.  Your written consent will be required before any of your personal information is disclosed to a third party, unless there is a legal obligation to do so.  You can have access to your medical records by prior arrangement with the Practice Manager.  A small charge may be made for this facility.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All staff are aware of patients' absolute right to confidentiality.  An interview room is available at all times next to reception for matters of a confidential nature.

EQUALITY

We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, gender, religion, sexuality or disability.

INFORMATION

Information on health services and on diagnosis and treatment will be provided to the fullest extent that patients request.  Full clarification of any queries will be provided as appropriate.

RESPECT

Patients will be treated as individuals with courtesy and respect at all times.

VIOLENT/ABUSIVE PATIENTS

The NHS operates a Zero Tolerance policy with regard to violence, which includes actual or threatened physical violence or verbal abuse which leads to fear for a person's safety.

In this situation we are obliged to notify the patient in writing of their removal from the list with immediate effect and record the fact of the removal and the circumstances leading to it in the patient's medical records.  The PCT is then responsible for providing further medical care for such patients.

WAITING

You will be seen on time whenever possible although some consultations may take longer than others.  On occasions acutely ill patients may need to be seen immediately.  An explanation will be offered for any undue delays.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

All our staff have a right to be treated with courtesy and respect and our patients have a responsibility to behave appropriately.