Practice Policies

COVID-19 – Privacy Notice

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.

Access to Information

Everyone has the right to privacy and confidentiality. All our staff have access to patient information at various levels. They all receive training aimed at ensuring confidentiality is maintained throughout the surgery at all times. If you wish to speak to a receptionist in private, please ask and we will accommodate your request. You can also ask to write down the information and hand this to a receptionist.
In line with the above, we are unable to disclose any information regarding a patient, unless they are deemed a minor, to anyone other than the patient, unless written request is given that we may do so. Please do not be offended if you are refused information regarding another patient, even if they are a family member or close friend. We have all our patients’ best interests at heart.

Confidentiality & Medical Records

The practice complies with data protection and access to medical records legislation. Identifiable information about you will be shared with others in the following circumstances:

• To provide further medical treatment for you e.g. from district nurses and hospital services.
• To help you get other services e.g. from the social work department. This requires your consent.
• When we have a duty to others e.g. in child protection cases anonymised patient information will also be used at local and national level to help the Health Board and Government plan services e.g. for diabetic care.

If you do not wish anonymous information about you to be used in such a way, please let us know.

Reception and administration staff require access to your medical records in order to do their jobs. These members of staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the medical staff.