Practice Charter

Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

Patients have the right to:

• Be registered with a General Practice and can state a preferred GP from which you wish to receive services

• Change practice if desired

• Be offered a health check on joining the practice

• Receive care at any time in cases of genuine emergency

• Receive appropriate drugs and medicines

• Be referred for specialist or second opinion if you and your GP agree

• Have the right to view your medical records, subject to any limitations in the law and to know that this information is kept confidential.

With These Rights Come Responsibilities And For The Patient This Means:

• You should accept responsibility for your own health by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

• You should extend the same courtesy and politeness to the practice team as you would expect to receive.

• You should attend appointments on time or give the practice adequate notice that you wish to cancel.

• Home visits should not be requested for people who can attend surgery. These appointments are for housebound patients and those who are seriously ill.

• Out-of-hours calls (eg evenings, nights and weekends) should only be requested if they are felt to be truly necessary.

• You must tell us of any change of name or address, so that our records are accurate.