COMMENTS
/ COMPLAINTS
We aim to provide the best
possible service to our patients but misunderstandings do sometimes happen. Please
feel free to discuss any concerns at the time when they occur. We aim for a speedy
resolution of problems to a mutual satisfaction.
The doctors and practice
manager are available to discuss any problems.
The Patient Advice and Liaison
Service (PALS) can be contacted at the Richmond and Twickenham Primary Care Trust,
180 High Street, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 8HU. Telephone 020 8973 3000.
They
provide confidential advice and support and can help you resolve any concerns
you have about your care and advise on the various services available from the
NHS.
DATA
PROTECTION
Your medical records are held in strictest confidence. Information is only passed on with your consent, within the confines of the NHS, by law, or if in the public interest.
The practice is computerised and certain details of your medical records are kept on computer. These are strictly confidential and the practice is registered with the Data Protection Act.
ZERO
TOLERANCE
The practice maintains that violent or abusive
behaviour towards the doctors or staff will not be tolerated and may result in
your removal from our list.
ABOUT
YOUR RIGHTS
• As a NHS patient you are entitled:
• To
receive general medical care from a GP on the basis of a clinical need and regardless
of ability to pay.
• To
change your doctor if you want, quickly and easily.
• To
receive emergency medical care.
• To
be treated under the NHS by a GP if you are away from home.
• To
be treated by another GP in the practice if your own is not available.
• To
be offered a health check when first registering with a GP.
• To
request a health check if you haven't seen a GP in more than three years.
• To
be offered a yearly health check if you are over 75, carried out at the surgery
or at home.
• To
have appropriate medicines and appliances prescribed when necessary.
• To
be referred to a consultant or specialist when your GP thinks necessary and be
referred for a second opinion if you and your doctor agree it is desirable.
• To
be assured of confidentiality in all contacts with your GP and practice staff.
• To
receive, free of charge, certificates for statutory sick pay for illness lasting
more than six days and other statutory certificates where appropriate.
• To
have clearly explained the diagnosis, proposed treatment, major risks and any
alternatives.
• To
receive a home visit at any time if your doctor feels it is necessary.
• To
have access to your health records held on computer or hand written, subject to
any limitations in law.
• To
receive an up-to-date information booklet.
• To
choose whether or not to take part in medical research and medical student training.
• To
choose to be registered with a doctor who provides contraceptive and maternity
services. A patient may choose her own or any doctor that provides these services.
• Where
appropriate, to receive invitations for cervical screening.
• To
receive appropriate childhood vaccinations and immunisations.
• To
receive an invitation for free breast screening if you are a woman aged between
50 and 64 years old.
• To
receive advice about health, diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol, drugs and solvent
abuse.
• To
have a complaint about any NHS service investigated and to receive a full and
prompt written reply from the Chief Executive of the relevant Health Authority.
• To
see any medical report written about you for the purposes of insurance or employment.
About
your responsibilities
• By
leading a healthy lifestyle and therefore minimising health risks, you will be
helping not only yourself but also your doctor.
• Please try to attend appointments
on time. If you have to change or cancel an appointment, tell the practice
as soon as possible.
• Please
be patient if your appointment is delayed. Delays are often caused by patients
needing emergency attention.
• Requests
for repeat prescriptions should be made to reception, in plenty of time to avoid
unnecessary delay in treatment.
• Prepare
for your doctor, talk to him and give him as much information as possible. It
might help to make a note of symptoms before the consultations so you don't forget
anything.
• Whilst
privacy is at all times respected, reception staff may need further details about
a visit or appointment to help doctors assess the degree of urgency.
• Be
sure to notify your doctor promptly of any change of address or family details
such as marriage.
• Home
visits should be regarded as a service for the genuinely housebound or seriously
ill. Requests for home visits should be made before 11.00am wherever possible.
• If
you are in any doubt about the seriousness of an illness, or whether you or a
member of your family need a home visit, telephone your doctor for advice.
• Similarly
night visits should be requested only when felt to be absolutely necessary.
Usually the "on-call" doctor has to be on duty again the next day.
• Patients
should respect the need for doctors to have enough rest to be fit and alert for
the following day's work.
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 reception.
|
