Other Information

Confidentiality/Data Protection

We understand how important confidentiality is to our patients and we provide complete confidentiality between you and us at all times. We do not release information to third-parties unless you specifically ask us to do so and provide your written permission. If you have something you would rather not discuss in reception (such as obtaining test results), then please ask us to use a private area instead. Please understand this may mean we stop to ask your permission before giving out information, we do this to protect your confidentiality.

Patient Responsibility

Appointments are finite. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible.

Complaints & Suggestions

We try to provide our patients with the highest standard of care. If you feel that the service has not been to your satisfaction, or that there are ways we could do better, we are keen to know. Please feel free to write or to discuss these issues with our Complaints Administrator or with the Business/Operations Manager. Suggestions may also be made to the Patient Participation Group (see below). We endeavour to resolve these issues promptly. In the case of complaints, this is made easier if you inform us of your grievance as soon after the incident as possible. We will initially respond to complaints within two working days, and then fully investigate and deal with more serous issues within four weeks. The Practice has a complaints procedure in place. To obtain a copy of this complaints procedure, please contact a member of staff.

Violence

Any patient committing an act of violence against any member of the practice will be removed from the practice list with immediate effect and the incident will be reported to the police.

Patient Participation Group (PPG)

This practice welcomes any ideas for improving services. In 1991, a PPG was formed by interested local people. The current secretary is Angel Forder-Stent. You can reach her on 01962 712443.

The PPG meet with the doctors four times a year to discuss current issues and holds larger public meetings on health issues two or three times a year. They also liaise with the community Health Council and the National Association of PPGs. Any patient wishing to join the group, or make suggestions with regard to national or local health issues, should contact Angela.

What to do in the case of a death

When a death occurs in the family, whether it be at home or in hospital, there are many unfamiliar tasks which must be carried out. Sooner or later most of us will be confronted with the need to arrange a funeral which in the midst of grief can be a daunting ordeal. The very personal nature of each bereavement dictates that circumstance will vary in most instances, but the following may be on some help in taking the initial steps towards arrangements for the funeral.

Firstly, you will need to obtain a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death from the doctor in attendance at the hospital, or your GP if the death took place at home. All deaths have to be registered by taking the doctor's certificate to the Registrar of Births and Deaths in the sub district in which the death occurred. The information required by the Registrar is listed on the accompanying form, under the heading 'Duties of the Informant'.

The Registrar issues a GREEN certificate for the burial or cremation which must be handed to the Funeral Director, who should also be contacted without delay if, for any reason, the death has been refereed to the Coroner. In any case, it is wise to contact your Funeral Director at an early stage as preliminary enquires and provisional arrangements, if so desire, may be make in advance of the registration of the death. Whilst he or she can advise on the local facilities and the technical and logistical problems involved, the initial choice as to whether your loved one is to be buried or cremated is a very personal one and must be made by the family. It is of course, possible that the deceased may have expressed a wish or left such instruction in their Will. The Funeral Directors will be responsible for making all the arrangements for the funeral and offering advice on such matters as press announcements, charitable donations or flowers, printing, insurance claims and seeking assistance from the Social Fund, if required. He or she will act as professional advisor and confidant and will be responsible for the efficient administration throughout the funeral.

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