Patient charter

Your rights

  • You have a right to see your health records subject to limitation in law.
  • You have a right to see full information on services we offer.
  • You have a right to a health check when joining the surgery.
  • You have a right to request routine vaccinations and immunisations for yourself and your children.
  • You have a right to know the names of the doctors and other professional staff involved in your care.
  • You have a right to confidentiality.
  • You have a right to expect the reception desk to be staffed in surgery or clinic hours by at least one receptionist and for the receptionist to treat patients with friendliness and courtesy at all times.
  • You have a right to a consultation with the doctor or practice nurse with in a time frame appropriate to your medical condition. Patients will be offered a consultation for urgent cases within 24 hours.
  • You have a right to receive the most appropriate care available which will be given by suitably qualified staff at your surgery. This includes being referred to a specialist where necessary.
  • You have a right to expect speedy referral to another doctor or health care professional when deemed appropriate by your doctor.
  • You have a right to receive an NHS prescription for regular medication you are taking when this medication is available on the NHS.
  • You have a right to make suggestions or complain about the care and the service we offer without jeopardising your care. The practice manager should be first point of contact for suggestions and complaints.
  • You have a right to leave the surgery list and register with another surgery within the surgery area. Please note that if you move outside the surgery area you may have to change your doctor.

Your responsibilities

  • You are ultimately responsible for your own health and that of your children.
  • It is your responsibility to inform both the hospital and surgery if you cannot keep or no longer need an appointment with a specialist or GP within the surgery.
  • It is your responsibility to come to the surgery for appointments unless you are prevented by serious illness or infirmity.
  • It is your responsibility to request an emergency visit, a night visit or an urgent appointment only when you think it is truly necessary.
  • It is your responsibility to be punctual and to remember that a consultation is for one person only.