Patient Rights & Responsibilities

You have the right to:

• Confidentiality and to know who has access to your records and how this information is protected.


• Have access to your written and computer health records subject to legal limitations.


• Be treated in privacy and with dignity and have your religious and cultural beliefs respected.


• Receive the same treatment as everyone else regardless of your race, gender, age or disability.


• Be treated and cared for by staff with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to provide an efficient and effective service.


• Consult your preferred GP.  This can either be for regular appointments or for specific problems.  These expressed preferences shall be recorded in writing.


• Under normal circumstances to be seen within 30 minutes of your appointment or to be given an explanation for the delay and have a right to make another appointment.


• Accurate verbal and written information about the services and facilities we provide.


• Make comments, suggestions or complaints and receive timeous responses.


• To request a chaperone.


• Patient consent means that you have to give permission before medical treatment is carried out.  Consent must be voluntary and informed and can be given verbally, non-verbally or in writing.  For further information, including consent for children, ask at reception.

Patient Responsibilities

• Patients should attend their appointments at the arranged time.  If this is not possible they should inform the surgery as soon as possible.


• We expect that patients will understand that appointments are for one person only.  Additional appointments should be made for more than one person.


• Patients are responsible for their own health, and the health of their children and should work in partnership with the practice to keep themselves healthy.


• Home visits should only be requested for patients who are seriously ill or housebound.  It is important to bear in mind that most medical problems are dealt with more effectively in the clinical setting of a well equipped Surgery.  Home visits are made at the doctor’s discretion.


• Many problems can be solved by advice alone, therefore patients should not always expect a prescription.


• We ask that patients treat the staff and doctors with courtesy and respect.  Bear in mind that reception staff have a very difficult job to do.  They are trying to do their best for you. 


• It is very important that our records are up to date with the correct address and telephone number in case we have to contact you.  Please make sure any changes to these details are given to reception.