Summary Care Records

Data Protection Act

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.

The Data Protection Act also allows us to release information to research groups for statistical analysis. They may approach you to see if you would like to take part in their studies.

Reception and administration staff require access to your medical records to enable them to perform specified tasks within their job roles. These members of staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality and Caldicott principles as the medical staff.

Freedom of Information

The ICO has published a new Model Publication Scheme that all public authorities are required to adopt by 1st January 2009.

https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-freedom-of-information/what-is-the-foi-act/

Complaints

Our aim is to give the highest possible standard of service and we try to deal swiftly with any problems that may occur. We operate a practice procedure as part of the NHS Complaints System. Any member of staff will be happy to help if you have any complaints or concerns, so please do let us know.

Patients are encouraged to detail their complaint in writing wherever possible:

This allows the practice to fully understand the nature of the complaint and provides a record for reference.
A written complaint enables the practice to fully investigate and respond to all points raised.

All written complaints will be acknowledged within 3 working days of receipt.

A response to a written complaint will be made within 10 working days or the complainant will be provided with update and estimated timescale if further investigation is required.

Complainants are advised that consent is required from the patient concerned, when complaints are raised by someone other than the patient themselves.

A consent form is available from the practice on request.