Patients' Rights and Responsibilities
Patients have the right to expect the highest quality of service that the practice can provide.
However, the practice expects the patient to act in a responsible manner in exercising their right to a quality service. Patients are required to show responsibility by ensuring that appointments are cancelled if unable to attend, by complying with medical advice and following prescribed treatment plans and by treating all personnel, including doctors, nurses and administrative staff with respect and courtesy.
In the extremely unlikely event that a patient was violent or abusive towards any of the doctors, the nurses, the administrative staff, other patients or members of the public on the premises, that patient would be removed from the practice list on the grounds that the patient had committed an act of violence or abuse and the matter has been reported to the police. The request for removal would be notified to the Strategic Planning & Performance Group by telephone, and confirmed in writing seven days later. The removal would be immediately effective. If possible, the patient will be notified in writing by the practice, but only if such notification is not thought to be potentially harmful to the physical or mental health of the patient or would put at risk the safety of one of the practice personnel, other patients or members of the public. The Strategic Planning & Performance Group will send written notification of the removal to the patient concerned. When a patient is removed from the practice list in such circumstances, a record of this removal and the details of the event will be recorded in the medical notes.
Freedom Of Information Publication Scheme
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 obliges the practice to produce a Publication Scheme. A Publication Scheme is a guide to the ‘classes’ of information the practice intends to routinely make available.
This scheme is available from the practice manager.
The Practice Computer
The practice operates a fully computerised appointments system and we have computerised all patients' notes.
The computer assists with the practice call and recall system for services such as childhood immunisations, annual flu vaccinations and cervical smear screening. Letters of invitation for these services are generated using the data contained in the computer system. If you have previously had a test or procedure for which you have been invited, please let the receptionist know the details so that our records can be updated and you will not receive unnecessary reminders. Again it is important that we are notified of any change of address, otherwise, you may not receive these important communications.
Electronic Display/Call Board
Electronic notice boards have been installed in the waiting areas. These have two purposes. The main purpose is to allow the doctor to call in his next patient. Patients should listen for the bell and watch the screen for their name to be displayed.
The second purpose is to display points of general information and advice and they will be updated on a regular basis.
Electronic Self Check-In Screen
A self-check-in screen is available at reception. This is an easy to use touch screen system, and is provided for the patient's convenience. The receptionist will be happy to demonstrate how to use it.