Policies

Confidentiality and Medical Records

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.

Reception and administration staff require access to your medical records in order to do their jobs. These members of staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the medical staff.

Access to Records

In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Access to Health Records Act, patients may request to see their medical records. Such requests should be made through the practice manager and may be subject to an administration charge. No information will be released without the patient consent unless we are legally obliged to do so.

Complaints / Suggestions

Despite our best efforts there are times when patients are unhappy with their treatment and wish to complain. Our complaints policy is displayed in the surgery and any complaint should be addressed to our Practice Manager in person, in writing or by telephone. We will acknowledge this within 2 working days and aim to fully investigate and reply within 10 working days. Any complaint will be kept in a separate file from medical notes to ensure confidentiality.

Violence Statement

In exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to remove patients from the practice list. Such examples are:

• Inappropriate behaviour eg;
  • physical or verbal abuse
  • deliberate damage to practice premises
  • crime and deception.

If removed from the list, you will be informed in writing with reasons for removal. You will also be given information on how to begin the process of registering with another practice.

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

The practice follows national guidelines regarding the rights and responsibilities of patients. A comprehensive copy of the NI specific guidelines can be found at advice.org.uk and following the link to NHS healthcare:

Health Trust Contact:

Belfast LCG
12-22 Linenhall Street
Belfast, BT2 8BS

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 02895 363051