Patient Rights

As a patient you have the right to:

• Be registered with a GP.
• Change doctor easily and quickly.
• Be offered a health check on joining the practice.
• Receive emergency care at any time through a GP.
• Receive health care on the basis of clinical need regardless of ability to pay.
• Be given a clear explanation of any treatment proposed, including any visits and alternatives, before you decide whether you will agree to treatment.
• Have appropriate drugs and medicines prescribed.
• Be referred to a consultant, acceptable to you, when the GP thinks it is necessary and be referred for a second opinion if you and the GP agree this is desirable.
• Have access to your medical records, subject to any limitation in the law, and know that those working for the NHS are under legal duty to keep the contents confidential.
• Choose whether or not to take part in medical research or medical student training.
• Request a yearly health check if you are 75 years or over.
• Be given detailed information about local family doctor services through Health Board’s local directory.
• Receive a copy of the practice booklet, setting out the services provided.
• Receive a full and prompt reply to any complaints about the services provided by the practice.

As a patient of this practice we expect you to:

• Treat the doctor and practice staff with courtesy.
• Be punctual for appointments.
• Give the practice as much notice as possible if you are unable to keep your appointment.
• Make more than one appointment if more than one person needs to be seen.
• Be prepared to make further appointments if you have numerous or complicated problems.
• Be patient if appointment times are running late - please remember it may be you who needs extra time on another occasion.
• Ask for a home visit only if illness prevents you from attending the surgery - children can usually be brought safely to the surgery.
• Contact the doctor out of surgery hours only in the case of an emergency which cannot wait until the next working day.
• Be prepared to see another doctor in the practice when your own doctor is unavailable.
• Carefully follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor.

If you wish to make constructive comments, suggestions or criticism, please contact the Practice Manager or leave comments in the Suggestion box.