Practice Leaflet
All new patients will receive a copy of our practice leaflet, and copies will be available at reception or from the practice website
Surgery Premises
Our surgery building will be welcoming, easy for patients to find their way around and appropriate to the needs of users, including the disabled.
Patients’ Rights to General Medical Services
Patients have the right to:
Changes to Procedures
When changes are introduced to practice procedures that affect patients, we will make sure these are clearly explained using brochures, waiting room noticeboards or individual leaflets, giving as much notice as possible.
Repeat Prescriptions
To ensure the best possible knowledge of your personal health, these will be signed by your usual GP wherever possible.
Referrals
Test Results
When a doctor or nurse arranges for a test to be taken, the patient will be told how to obtain the result. (Results are normally available after 1 week. Patients are informed to call between 10 am -12.00pm for results.
Out of Hours Emergencies
We will do everything possible to make sure our system for contacting the duty doctor is easy to follow, reliable and effective.
Waiting Times
With these rights come responsibilities. For patients this means:
Transfer of Medical Records
The Practice will do their best to dispatch medical records required by the Health Authority within seven working days, or on the same day if the request is urgent.
* We will respect patients’ privacy, dignity and confidentiality at all times *
Appointments
With a Doctor: For routine consultations, we will do our best to offer patients an appointment within two working days of the request. For medically urgent requests, we will offer an appointment on the same day.
With a Practice Nurse: For routine appointments, we will offer an appointment within five working days. If there is a delay in the appointment wait (when you arrive) of more than 20 minutes, we will let you know. We are happy to update you on any delay situation if you feel that you have been waiting too long.
Home Visits: We are unable to guarantee a specific doctor will visit you, as this depends on availability and other factors. The decision to home visit will be at the doctors’ discretion.