Your rights and responsibilities

Responsibilities to patients

• Patients should be treated with respect, be involved in discussions about their care and treatment and be able to influence how the service is run.
• Before patients are given any examination, care, treatment or support, they should be asked if they agree to it.
• Patients should get safe and appropriate care that meets their needs and supports their rights.
• Patients should get safe and coordinated care when they move between different services.
• Patients should be protected from abuse and staff should respect their human rights.
• Patients should be cared for in a clean environment and protected from the risk of infection.
• Patients should be given the medicines they need when they need them, and in a safe way.
• Patients should be cared for in safe and accessible surroundings that support their health and welfare.
• Patients should be safe from harm from unsafe or unsuitable equipment.
• Patients should be cared for by staff who are properly qualified and able to do their job.
• There should be enough members of staff to keep people safe and meet their health and welfare needs.
• Staff should be properly trained and supervised, and have the chance to develop and improve their skills.
• The service should have quality checking systems to manage risks and assure the health, welfare and safety of people who receive care.
• People should have their complaints listened to and acted on properly.
• People’s personal records, including medical records, should be accurate and kept safe and confidential.

Patient responsibilities

• If you are between 16 to 75 years old and have not seen a GP in the last three years, please arrange a health check with the practice.
• If you are over 75 years old and have not been seen by a GP for the last 12 months, please arrange a health check with the practice.
• Patients are expected to act in a responsible and courteous manner whilst on the practice premises for the safety and comfort of others.
• Patients are expected to treat all surgery staff, fellow patients, carers and visitors politely and with respect. Violence or verbal harassment will not be tolerated or accepted. We operate a zero tolerance policy which may lead to a possible removal from our patient list.