Practice Charter

The Department of Health has introduced the Patients Charter which sets out quality standards for all areas involved in the provision of health care. We hope that the services we provide will always comply with these standards.

Patient Confidentiality And Data Protection

We ask you for personal information so that you can receive appropriate care and treatment. This information is recorded on computer and we are registered under the Data Protection Act 1998. The practice will ensure that patient confidentiality is maintained at all times by all members of the practice team. However, for the effective functioning of a multi-disciplinary team it is sometimes necessary that medical information about you is shared between members of the practice team.

Access To Medical Records

All patients have a right to view what is recorded in their medical record, unless your doctor feels that viewing your records may put your health at risk. If you wish to do this, please ask for an appointment with the practice manager. You also have a right to receive a copy of the information recorded. (A charge may be payable for administration time involved.) A copy of the Access to Patient Records procedure is available at reception.

Sharing Of Information

Details of patient records may be shared with other health service professionals eg district nurses, health visitor, midwife or hospital staff in the process of patient care. You have a right to request that such information may be withheld.

Use Of Information About Patients

Walsall PCT regularly visits GP practices to carry out checks on some payments made to GPs. This is part of the routine work of the Health Authority and is required by the government to provide assurance that public money is used properly. They need to look at a random selection of patients’ medical records in the practice to do this work. This may require them to look at your medical records with the help of a nominated doctor. Everyone working for the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential and you have the right to say no if you do not want them to look at your medical records. If you would like to know more about access to your medical records you can speak to the person in charge of your care.

Zero Tolerance

We strongly support the NHS policy on zero tolerance. Anyone attending the surgery who abuses the GPs, staff or other patients be it verbally, physically or in any threatening manner whatsoever, will risk removal from the practice list. In extreme cases we may summon the police to remove offenders from the practice premises.

Freedom Of Information

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.