Patients’ charter

We aim to provide patients with the best quality care available. Our charter is a statement of what you can expect from the practice and what we feel we can expect from you in return.

Your Rights as a Patient:

• You will be greeted in a polite manner at all times by the doctors, nurses and other members of the practice team
• The surgery will be clean and comfortable as far as facilities allow
• You will be referred for further treatment or consultation when the doctor thinks this is necessary
• Confidentiality at all times
• We aim to see patients within 30 minutes of their appointment time. If there is likely to be an additional delay, however, you will be kept informed
• You can expect to be given an urgent appointment with a doctor or with the practice nurse within one working day – although this may not be your registered/preferred GP
• You are able to see your medical records subject to the limitations of the law
• Complaints will be dealt with by the Practice Manager

Your Responsibilities as a Patient:

• To treat all practice staff with the same courtesy you expect of them
• To ensure that you attend your appointments on time
• If you need to cancel your appointment, give as much notice as possible and always let the practice know
• To request a home visit only if you are physically unable to come to the surgery. Home visits are made at the doctors’ discretion
• To work with the practice to keep yourself as healthy as possible by following advice from the doctors and staff
• To understand that a prescription will only be issued on the basis of a clinical decision
• If you feel you will need longer than a single appointment, please ask for a double appointment
• To inform the practice promptly if you change your address or telephone number
• After leaving hospital, ensure the doctor receives the discharge note given to you by hospital staff as soon as possible
• To be understanding of the needs of others, as emergencies do arise and have to be given priority. We hope that in such an event you will understand and we are always happy to make a further appointment if this is more convenient