We aim to treat our patients courteously at all times and expect our patients to treat our staff in a similarly respectful way.
Patients’ Rights
- To receive health care on the basis of clinical need, regardless of your income. Everyone has the same right to equal treatment by the NHS regardless of race, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation
- To receive emergency medical care at any time through your GP or the emergency ambulance service and via hospital accident and emergency department. Alternatively, patients can contact their GP for casualty services. Serious emergencies should use the 999 emergency departments
- To be referred to a consultant acceptable to you when your GP thinks it is necessary and to be referred for a second opinion of you and your GP agree this is desirable. GP’s are responsible for referring patients to hospital-based specialists. You should discuss with your GP if you want a particular consultant. You can ask you GP for a second opinion and he will discuss this with you. If you want a second opinion about GP care, you can ask to see another GP in the Practice
- To be given a clear explanation of what is wrong with you, and of any treatment proposed, including risks and any alternatives. You also have the right to give to withhold consent to medical treatment. It is important that you should feel free to ask questions about your care and your treatment from any personal involved. You can take a friend or relation with you to help get an explanation
- To have access to your health records and to know that those working in the NHS are under a legal duty to keep the contents confidential. You can ask to see or get a copy of your own medical records stored on a computer, or written health records (NHS or private after November 1991). You may also see any medical reports prepared by your doctor or insurer before they are sent on, and for six months after the date of the report
- To choose whether or not you wish to be examined or treated by a medical student and to choose whether or not to take part in medical trials. You should always be asked in advance about medical students or medical research. This may not always happen and you should be aware that you can refuse and are free to withdraw at any time
Patients’ Responsibilities
- Please keep appointments
- Please try to arrive on time
- If you are unable to attend an appointment, please inform the clinic or surgery in good time
- If you are given an appointment time or date which is unsuitable, please telephone to change it. Remember, if you continue to default your appointments you may be removed from the list
- Please ensure your address is correct. If you move house, change address or the postcode is changed, please inform the surgery.
