Abusive, Aggressive, Racist Or Sexist Behaviour

The role of medical receptionist is very responsible, sometimes difficult, often upsetting, but very rewarding. If you see staff are already dealing with a telephone call, or are busy with another patient, please be patient. We do not expect our staff to be rude to patients and will not tolerate patients being rude to members of staff.

Any patient found using threatening behaviour or abusive language whilst on the premises will be asked to register at another practice.

The Accessible Information Standard

The Accessible Information Standard is a new law to make sure that people who have a disability, impairment or sensory loss are given information they can easily read or understand.

 The Accessible Information Standard tells NHS and adult social care organisations they must make sure people get information in different formats such as: - easy read, advocate, British Sign Language (BSL), large print or email.

 Please inform a member of staff if you have any communication support needs. You need to help us make sure we get things right for you.

You can find more information about the Accessible Information Standard on the NHS England website NHS England Accessible Information 

Equal Opportunities

We provide care according to need, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or mental or physical ability.

Applying for access to your health records

Formal requests under the Data Protection Act

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you have a legal right to apply for access to health information held about you. This includes your NHS or private health records held by a GP, optician or dentist, or by a hospital.. A health record contains information about your mental and physical health recorded by a healthcare professional as part of your care. If you want to see your health records, you don't have to give a reason.

Applying for access to your health records

Depending on which health records you want to see, submit your request in writing or by email the practice This is known as a Subject Access Request (SAR).

It's a good idea to state the dates of the records when you apply. The health records manager or other healthcare professional will decide whether your request can be approved. They can sometimes refuse to disclose information if, for example the information you have asked for contains information that relates to another person.

Under the Data Protection Act, requests for access to records should be met within 40 days. However, government guidance for healthcare organisations says they should aim to respond within 21 days.

Data Protection

All our medical records are kept on computer. This will allow you to have the opportunity to read your medical notes in a quiet environment in the surgery. There is a small charge if you require part or all of your medical records to be photocopied.

Our paper records are kept safe and once they have been entered onto the computer, they are safely destroyed. We assure patients of complete confidentiality.

The Data Protection Act also protects your rights.

Your medical records cannot be accessed by other parties without your permission.