Ryehill Health Centre

PRACTICE CHARTER

To provide the best standards of care and health promotion, in a friendly and helpful environment.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION - PUBLICATION SCHEME

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 provides individuals with a right of access to recorded information held by Scottish Public Authorities. Under the act General Practices are considered to be holders of such information. A large proportion of recorded information held by GP's is personal information that can be withheld under the act. Details of how to access information under the Freedom of Information Act 2002 can be found in the Practice's Publication Scheme. If you require a copy please ask the Practice manager or see the information board at reception.

Access to your medical records

The Data Protection Act 1998 gives you the right to see health information about yourself.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All patient notes are treated with the strictest confidentiality and we comply with the Data Protection Act 1998.

Whilst staff members have access to patients' notes, strict confidentiality is essential and any staff member found to have breached this confidentiality would be liable to disciplinary action which could lead to dismissal. Medical and administration staff at the out-of-hours service may also have access to patients' notes via the Emergency Care summary. A patient will be asked whether you agree to them accessing your information at your consultation. If you do not agree, obviously they will not be able to access this information. You may, if you wish, opt out of this system but you need to inform us of this, otherwise the information will be sent to a central store.

A copy of the leaflet "Confidentiality" is available on the notice board at reception and by asking the receptionist.

ZERO TOLERANCE

We strongly support the NHS policy on zero tolerance. Anyone attending the surgery who abuses the GPs, staff or other patients be it verbally, physically or in any threatening manner whatsoever, will risk removal from the practice list. In extreme cases we may summon the police to remove offenders from the practice premises.