Practice Policies & Patient Information
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.
If you wish to access your medical records please ask at Reception.
Accessible Information Standard
The Accessible Information Standard aims to ensure that patients (or their carers) who have a disability or sensory loss receive information they can access and understand, for example in large print, braille or via email, and professional communication support if they need it, for example from a British Sign Language interpreter.
This applies to patients and their carers who have information and / or communication needs relating to a disability, impairment or sensory loss. It also applies to parents and carers of patients / service users who have such information and / or communication needs, where appropriate.
Individuals most likely to be affected by the Standard include people who are blind or deaf, who have some hearing and / or visual loss, people who are deaf blind and people with a learning disability. However, this list is not exhaustive.
If you feel that this applies to you or someone in your care please complete the attached form and hand it in at the surgery or collect a form from surgery if you wish
Chaperone Policy
INTRODUCTION
This policy sets out guidance for the use of chaperones and procedures that should be in place for consultations, examinations and investigations.
PURPOSE OF CHAPERONE
All medical consultations, examinations and investigations are potentially distressing. Patients can find examinations, investigations or photography involving the breasts, genitalia or rectum particularly intrusive (these examinations are collectively referred to as “intimate examinations”). Also consultations involving dimmed lights, the need for patients to undress or for intensive periods of being touched may make a patient feel vulnerable.
Chaperoning is the process of having a third person present during such consultations to:
provide support, both emotional and sometimes physical to the patient.
to protect the doctor against allegations of improper behaviour during such consultations, and sometimes to provide practical support.
WHEN, AND HOW, SHOULD A CHAPERONE BE OFFERED?
Information concerning the availability of chaperones is made to patient by:
Signs in each consulting and treatment room
Signs in the waiting room
Chaperoning information on practice website, patient information leaflet and registration pack
It will only be apparent that a chaperone will be necessary once the consultation is started. The triggers that make the offer of a chaperone necessary include:
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- when an intimate examination is deemed necessary. This offer should be accompanied by an explanation as to why the examination is required.
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- when an examination which is not intimate, but involves close proximity, physical contact or dim lighting is necessary and the clinician is concerned that a chaperone is necessary; this may be to protect him/herself, or if the patient is particularly vulnerable or at risk.
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- whether the patient and clinician are the same sex or not is not relevant; an offer of a chaperone should be made regardless. However, if the sex of both parties is the same it is likely that the clinician will less frequently consider themselves to need a chaperone present to proceed as the risk of allegation is reduced, though they must be aware it is by no means absent.
DURING THE CONSULTATION IN WHICH A CHAPERONE IS REQUIRED
It is important to provide an environment in which the patient feels relaxed, and is given privacy to undress in preparation for the examination.
Prior to examination, the patient must be given a full explanation of the reason for the examination and what will be done and if possible how it will feel.
There should be no undue delay prior to examination once the patient has removed any clothing.
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- During an intimate examination
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- Offer reassurance
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- Be courteous
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- Keep discussion relevant
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- Avoid unnecessary personal comments
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- Encourage questions and discussion
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- Remain alert to verbal and non-verbal indications of distress from the patient
Intimate examination should take place in a closed room or well-screened bay that cannot be entered while the examination is in progress.
Where appropriate a choice of position for the examination should be offered for example left lateral, dorsal, recumbent and semi-recumbent positions for speculum and bimanual examinations. This may reduce the sense of vulnerability and powerlessness complained of by some patients.
Once the patient is dressed following an examination or investigation the findings must be communicated to the patient.
Any requests that the examination be discontinued should be respected.
WHO CAN BE A CHAPERONE?
A friend or relative of the patient is in inadequate chaperone – they are neither trained nor independent; however in reality the clinician may well appropriately feel that their presence will reduce the risk of allegations, and may therefore allow an examination to proceed even if a chaperone is offered and declined; but a chaperone should still be ‘offered’.
An appropriate chaperone is otherwise any member of the nursing team; all are trained appropriately and have a DBS check – both are requirements for them to be a chaperone.
The chaperone should be the same sex as the patient; otherwise the patients anxiety and risk of allegation will increase.
ROLE OF THE CHAPERONE
Their role can be considered in any of the following areas:
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- Providing emotional comfort and reassurance to patients
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- To act as an observer of the examination to protect the clinician from false allegation.
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- Empowered to alert their line manager should they feel any improper behaviour has occurred.
If the clinician requires practice assistance during the examination, for example during a coil insertion, they should request an HCA or nurse to support them, and that person would then provide both practical and physical support as well as implicity acting as a chaperone. In this case, they may be a differing sex from the client, but as they are providing a clinical function this is acceptable – a full explanation needs to be given to the patient and their agreement
obtained.
The chaperone should introduce herself/himself to the patient giving her name. The two parties should have a short conversation between themselves to ensure there is clear understanding of the role and expectations.
RECORDING OF CHAPERONE OFFERS
Whenever the clinician feels a chaperone may be necessary, it should be offered.
Whenever the offer is made, that fact should be recorded on TPP SystmOne, together with either the fact that it was declined, or the name of the person performing the role of chaperone entered in the associated free text box.
If the offer is declined, but the clinician feels they are at risk without a chaperone being present, it is appropriate and correct them to:
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- further explain why a chaperone is necessary and re-offer one
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- refuse to proceed with the examination and ask the patient to rebook with a clinician of the same sex; this is the best possible scenario for the examination to be safely performed, but even then it may be that a same sex clinician will also feel a chaperone is necessary and again decline to proceed; these cases must be dealt with individually, but the clinician has no obligation to proceed with an action which he is uncomfortable in doing. The patient insisting it is done is not a sufficient justification to put clinicians at risk. All these decision processes and explanations must be recorded on SystmOne
The only exception to this is if there is an urgent medical need for the examination to proceed – in this scenario patient safety may and should override clinician’s assessment of their own risk.
WHERE A CHAPERONE IS NEEDED BUT NOT AVAILABLE
If the patient requests a chaperone, but an appropriate one is not available, the appointment should be re-booked at a time when one is available. The only exception is when there is urgent clinical need – this should be explained to the patient.
If the doctor wants for whatever reason a chaperone to be present, but one is not available, then again the appointment should be re-scheduled unless there is overriding medical need when each case should be taken individually, or the clinician may consider the clinical need overrides his own risk to exposure.
Careful recording of all decision making processes must be made.
ISSUES OF CONSENT
Consent may be implicit in attending a consultation – for example, a patient attending with a breast lump may reasonably be assumed to expect a breast examination. However, it is always prudent to obtain consent after explanation before all intimate examinations. Verbal consent is sufficient.
The clinician may assume that the patient is seeking treatment and therefore consenting to necessary examinations. However before proceeding with an examination, healthcare professionals should always seek to obtain, by word or gesture, some explicit indication that the patient understands the need for examination and agrees to it being carried out. Consent should always be appropriate to the treatment or investigation being carried out.
The clinician must however be aware that:
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- an assessment of capacity may occasionally be necessary to ensure consent is valid.
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- that if consent is given, either actual or implied, this is nothing to do with the offer of a chaperone. A patient may consent to an intimate examination, but still request, assume or prefer a chaperone to be present so a chaperone offer should still, always, be made.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
If there are medico-legal reasons for the examination, for example after alleged assault, or perhaps because of abuse, the clinician should be aware that written consent may be necessary for the examination to be valid. The clinician should make appropriate enquiries first.
This will be an unusual and rare occurrence.
ISSUES SPECIFIC TO CHILDREN
In the case of children a chaperone would normally be a parent or carer or alternatively someone known and trusted or chosen by the child. Patients may be accompanied by another minor of the same age. For competent young adults the guidance relating to adults is applicable.
The age of Consent is 16 years, but young people have the right to confidential advice on contraception, pregnancy and abortion and it has been made clear that the law is not intended to prosecute mutually agreed sexual activity between young people of a similar age, unless it involves abuse or exploitation. However, the younger the person, the greater the concern about abuse or exploitation. Children under 13 years old are considered of insufficient age to consent to sexual activity, and the Sexual Offences Act 2003 makes clear that sexual activity with a child under 13 is always an offence.
In situations where abuse is suspected great care and sensitivity must be used to allay fears of repeat abuse.
Healthcare professionals should refer to their local Child Protection policies for any specific issues.
Children and their parents or guardians must receive an appropriate explanation of the procedure in order to obtain their co-operation and understanding. If a minor presents in the absence of a parent or guardian the healthcare professional must ascertain if they are capable of understanding the need for examination. In these cases it would be advisable for consent to be secured and a formal chaperone to be present for any intimate examinations.
Further information about confidentiality, data protection and consent can be found at www.doh.gov.uk/safeguardingchildren/index.htm and Working Together to Safeguard Children (Department of Health 1999).
ISSUES SPECIFIC TO RELIGION, ETHNICITY OR CULTURE
The ethnic, religious and cultural background of some women can make intimate examinations particularly difficult, for example, some patients may have strong cultural or religious beliefs that restrict being touched by others. Patients undergoing examinations should be allowed the opportunity to limit the degree of nudity by, for example, uncovering only that part of the anatomy that requires investigation or imaging. Wherever possible, particularly in these circumstances, a female healthcare practitioner should perform the procedure.
It would be unwise to proceed with any examination if the healthcare professional is unsure that the patient understands due to a language barrier. If an interpreter is available, they may be able to double as an informal chaperone. In life saving situations every effort should be made to communicate with the patient by whatever means available before proceeding with the examination.
ISSUES SPECIFIC TO LEARNING DIFFICULTIES/MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
For patients with learning difficulties or mental health problems that affect capacity, a familiar individual such as a family member or carer may be the best chaperone. A careful simple and sensitive explanation of the technique is vital. This patient group is a vulnerable one and issues may arise in initial physical examination, “touch” as part of therapy, verbal and other “boundary-breaking” in one to one “confidential” settings and indeed home visits.
Adult patients with learning difficulties or mental health problems who resist any intimate examination or procedure must be interpreted as refusing to give consent and the procedure must be abandoned, unless the patient has been sectioned. In life-saving situations the healthcare professional should use professional judgement and where possible discuss with a member of the Mental Health Care Team
LONE WORKING
Where a health care professional is working in a situation away from other colleagues e.g. home visit, the same principles for offering and use of chaperones should apply.
In reality it is more likely here that a relative or friend will be available – this person may well be acceptable as a chaperone to both patient and clinician.
Where it is not appropriate or available, or the clinician feels unable to proceed with a formal chaperone, the clinician may need to rebook the visit and return accompanied by, for example, a district nurse or HCA to provide chaperone role, or request the patient attend the surgery at a later date.
If there is an overriding medical need and urgency, then this should take priority, or may cause the clinician to consider an alternative route of disposal such as referral to A & E Dept or NEMS
Health care professionals should note that they are at an significantly increased risk of their actions being misconstrued or misrepresented if they conduct intimate examinations where no other person is present, especially in the patient’s home. The clinician has every right, except in cases of dire emergency, to protect themselves from such risk.
COMMUNICATION & RECORD KEEPING
Details of the examination including presence/absence of chaperone and information given must be documented in the patient’s medical records.
If the patient expresses any doubts or reservations about the procedure and the healthcare professional feels the need to reassure them before continuing then it would be good practice to record this in the patient’s notes. The records should make clear from the history that an examination was necessary.
Complaints and Suggestions
We try to provide a high standard of care and service to all our patients and are continually striving to improve our service. Any helpful suggestions are much appreciated and a suggestion box is located in the waiting area. However there may be times when you are not happy about something.
We hope you will feel free to discuss your concerns with the member of staff directly involved, or with the Practice Manager or one of the Doctors. This is better done sooner rather than later and we hope that you will be satisifed after talking to us
Information on our complaints procedure is available from reception.
Complaints should be addressed to : Mrs Paula Watts, Practice Manager,
Alternatively you may ask for an appointment with Mrs Watts to discuss your concerns. She will explain the complaints procedure to you and ensure that your concerns are dealt with promptly
If a complaint is regarding a child under 16 years old , unless there are specific reasons, you will need to be the Legal Guardian (proof will be required) or the Parent to make a complaint.
Informal complaints, also known as verbal complaints, will be dealt with by the Practice Manager. There may be circumstances in which the Manager is unable to deal with your complaint immediately and they will make an appointment to see you within 48 hours.
Patients who have a comment or complaint about a GP or the Practice, which cannot be resolved locally with the practice manager, can contact NHS England using the details below.
NHS England
PO Box 16738
Redditch B97 9PT
Tel: 0300 311 22 33
email: england.contactus@nhs.net
Confidentiality & 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.
Data Choices
Your Data Matters to the NHS
Information about your health and care helps us to improve your individual care, speed up diagnosis, plan your local services and research new treatments. The NHS is committed to keeping patient information safe and always being clear about how it is used.
How your data is used
Information about your individual care such as treatment and diagnoses is collected about you whenever you use health and care services. It is also used to help us and other organisations for research and planning such as research into new treatments, deciding where to put GP clinics and planning for the number of doctors and nurses in your local hospital. It is only used in this way when there is a clear legal basis to use the information to help improve health and care for you, your family and future generations.
Wherever possible we try to use data that does not identify you, but sometimes it is necessary to use your confidential patient information.
You have a choice
You do not need to do anything if you are happy about how your information is used. If you do not want your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you can choose to opt out securely online or through a telephone service. You can change your mind about your choice at any time.
Will choosing this opt-out affect your care and treatment?
No, choosing to opt out will not affect how information is used to support your care and treatment. You will still be invited for screening services, such as screenings for bowel cancer.
What do you need to do?
If you are happy for your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you do not need to do anything.
To find out more about the benefits of data sharing, how data is protected, or to make/change your opt-out choice visit www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters
GDPR – Privacy Notice
GDPR and How we use your information
Introduction
This privacy notice lets you know what happens to any personal data that you give to us, or any that we may collect from or about you.
This privacy notice applies to personal information processed by or on behalf of the practice.
This Notice explains
Who we are, how we use your information and our Data Protection Officer
What kinds of personal information about you do we process?
What are the legal grounds for our processing of your personal information (including when we share it with others)?
What should you do if your personal information changes?
For how long your personal information is retained by us?
What are your rights under data protection laws?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) became law on 24th May 2016. This is a single EU-wide regulation on the protection of confidential and sensitive information. It enters into force in the UK on the 25th May 2018, repealing the Data Protection Act (1998).
For the purpose of applicable data protection legislation (including but not limited to the General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) (the “GDPR”), and the Data Protection Act 2018 (currently in Bill format before Parliament) the practice responsible for your personal data is [Practice Name].
This Notice describes how we collect, use and process your personal data, and how, in doing so, we comply with our legal obligations to you. Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to protecting and safeguarding your data privacy rights
How we use your information and the law.
Westdale Lane Surgery will be what’s known as the ‘Controller’ of the personal data you provide to us.
We collect basic personal data about you which does not include any special types of information or location-based information. This does however include name, address, contact details such as email and mobile number etc.
We will also collect sensitive confidential data known as “special category personal data”, in the form of health information, religious belief (if required in a healthcare setting) ethnicity, and sex during the services we provide to you and or linked to your healthcare through other health providers or third parties.
Why do we need your information?
The health care professionals who provide you with care maintain records about your health and any treatment or care you have received previously (e.g. NHS Trust, GP Surgery, Walk-in clinic, etc.). These records help to provide you with the best possible healthcare.
NHS health records may be electronic, on paper or a mixture of both, and we use a combination of working practices and technology to ensure that your information is kept confidential and secure. Records which the Practice hold about you may include the following information;
Details about you, such as your address, carer, legal representative, emergency contact details
Any contact the surgery has had with you, such as appointments, clinic visits, emergency appointments, etc.
Notes and reports about your health
Details about your treatment and care
Results of investigations such as laboratory tests, x-rays etc
Relevant information from other health professionals, relatives or those who care for you
To ensure you receive the best possible care, your records are used to facilitate the care you receive. Information held about you may be used to help protect the health of the public and to help us manage the NHS. Information may be used within the GP practice for clinical audit to monitor the quality of the service provided.
How do we lawfully use your data?
We need to know your personal, sensitive and confidential data in order to provide you with Healthcare services as a General Practice, under the General Data Protection Regulation we will be lawfully using your information in accordance with: –
Article 6, e) processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller;”
Article 9, (h) processing is necessary for the purposes of preventive or occupational medicine, for the assessment of the working capacity of the employee, medical diagnosis, the provision of health or social care or treatment or the management of health or social care systems
This Privacy Notice applies to the personal data of our patients and the data you have given us about your carers/family members.
Risk Stratification
Risk stratification data tools are increasingly being used in the NHS to help determine a person’s risk of suffering a condition, preventing an unplanned or (re)admission and identifying a need for preventive intervention. Information about you is collected from a number of sources including NHS Trusts and from this GP Practice. A risk score is then arrived at through an analysis of your de-identified information is only provided back to your GP as data controller in an identifiable form. Risk stratification enables your GP to focus on preventing ill health and not just the treatment of sickness. If necessary, your GP may be able to offer you additional services. Please note that you have the right to opt out of your data being used in this way.
Medicines Management
The Practice may conduct Medicines Management Reviews of medications prescribed to its patients. This service performs a review of prescribed medications to ensure patients receive the most appropriate, up to date and cost-effective treatments.
How do we maintain the confidentiality of your records?
We are committed to protecting your privacy and will only use information collected lawfully in accordance with:
Data Protection Act 2018
The General Data Protection Regulations 2016
Human Rights Act 1998
Common Law Duty of Confidentiality
Health and Social Care Act 2012
NHS Codes of Confidentiality, Information Security and Records Management
Information: To Share or Not to Share Review
Every member of staff who works for an NHS organisation has a legal obligation to keep information about you confidential.
We will only ever use or pass on information about you if others involved in your care have a genuine need for it. We will not disclose your information to any third party without your permission unless there are exceptional circumstances (i.e. life or death situations), where the law requires information to be passed on and / or in accordance with the information sharing principle following Dame Fiona Caldicott’s information sharing review (Information to share or not to share) where “The duty to share information can be as important as the duty to protect patient confidentiality.” This means that health and social care professionals should have the confidence to share information in the best interests of their patients within the framework set out by the Caldicott principles.
Our practice policy is to respect the privacy of our patients, their families and our staff and to maintain compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and all UK specific Data Protection Requirements. Our policy is to ensure all personal data related to our patients will be protected.
All employees and sub-contractors engaged by our practice are asked to sign a confidentiality agreement. The practice will, if required, sign a separate confidentiality agreement if the client deems it necessary. If a sub-contractor acts as a data processor for Westdale Lane Surgery an appropriate contract (art 24-28) will be established for the processing of your information.
In Certain circumstances you may have the right to withdraw your consent to the processing of data. Please contact the Data Protection Officer in writing if you wish to withdraw your consent. If some circumstances we may need to store your data after your consent has been withdrawn to comply with a legislative requirement.
Some of this information will be held centrally and used for statistical purposes. Where we do this, we take strict measures to ensure that individual patients cannot be identified. Sometimes your information may be requested to be used for research purposes – the surgery will always gain your consent before releasing the information for this purpose in an identifiable format. In some circumstances you can Opt-out of the surgery sharing any of your information for research purposes.
With your consent we would also like to use your information to;
We would however like to use your name, contact details and email address to inform you of services that may benefit you, with your consent only. There may be occasions were authorised research facilities would like you to take part on innovations, research, improving services or identifying trends.
At any stage where we would like to use your data for anything other than the specified purposes and where there is no lawful requirement for us to share or process your data, we will ensure that you have the ability to consent and opt out prior to any data processing taking place. This information is not shared with third parties or used for any marketing and you can unsubscribe at any time via phone, email or by informing the practice DPO as below.
Where do we store your information Electronically?
All the personal data we process is processed by our staff in the UK however for the purposes of IT hosting and maintenance this information may be located on servers within the European Union.
No 3rd parties have access to your personal data unless the law allows them to do so and appropriate safeguards have been put in place. We have a Data Protection regime in place to oversee the effective and secure processing of your personal and or special category (sensitive, confidential) data.
Who are our partner organisations?
We may also have to share your information, subject to strict agreements on how it will be used, with the following organisations;
NHS Trusts / Foundation Trusts
GP’s
NHS Commissioning Support Units
Independent Contractors such as dentists, opticians, pharmacists
Private Sector Providers
Voluntary Sector Providers
Ambulance Trusts
Clinical Commissioning Groups
Social Care Services
NHS England (NHSE) and NHS Digital (NHSD)
Local Authorities
Education Services
Fire and Rescue Services
Police & Judicial Services
Voluntary Sector Providers
Private Sector Providers
Other ‘data processors’ which you will be informed of
You will be informed who your data will be shared with and in some cases asked for consent for this to happen when this is required.
We may also use external companies to process personal information, such as for archiving purposes. These companies are bound by contractual agreements to ensure information is kept confidential and secure. All employees and sub-contractors engaged by our practice are asked to sign a confidentiality agreement. If a sub-contractor acts as a data processor for Park House Medical Centre an appropriate contract (art 24-28) will be established for the processing of your information.
How long will we store your information?
We are required under UK law to keep your information and data for the full retention periods as specified by the NHS Records management code of practice for health and social care and national archives requirements. More information on records retention can be found online at (https://digital.nhs.uk/article/1202/Records-Management-Code-of-Practice-for-Health-and-Social-Care-2016)
How can you access, amend move the personal data that you have given to us?
Even if we already hold your personal data, you still have various rights in relation to it. To get in touch about these, please contact us. We will seek to deal with your request without undue delay, and in any event in accordance with the requirements of any applicable laws. Please note that we may keep a record of your communications to help us resolve any issues which you raise.
Right to object: If we are using your data because we deem it necessary for our legitimate interests to do so, and you do not agree, you have the right to object. We will respond to your request within 30 days (although we may be allowed to extend this period in certain cases). Generally, we will only disagree with you if certain limited conditions apply.
Right to withdraw consent: Where we have obtained your consent to process your personal data for certain activities (for example for a research project), or consent to market to you, you may withdraw your consent at any time.
Right to erasure: In certain situations (for example, where we have processed your data unlawfully), you have the right to request us to “erase” your personal data. We will respond to your request within 30 days (although we may be allowed to extend this period in certain cases) and will only disagree with you if certain limited conditions apply. If we do agree to your request, we will Delete your data but will generally assume that you would prefer us to keep a note of your name on our register of individuals who would prefer not to be contacted. That way, we will minimise the chances of you being contacted in the future where your data are collected in unconnected circumstances. If you would prefer us not to do this, you are free to say so.
Right of data portability: If you wish, you have the right to transfer your data from us to another data controller. We will help with this with a GP to GP data transfer and transfer of your hard copy notes
Access to your personal information
Data Subject Access Requests (DSAR): You have a right under the Data Protection legislation to request access to view or to obtain copies of what information the surgery holds about you and to have it amended should it be inaccurate. To request this, you need to do the following:
Your request should be made to the Practice – for information from the hospital you should write direct to them
There is no charge to have a copy of the information held about you
We are required to respond to you within one month
You will need to give adequate information (for example full name, address, date of birth, NHS number and details of your request) so that your identity can be verified, and your records located information we hold about you at any time.
What should you do if your personal information changes?
You should tell us so that we can update our records please contact the Practice Manager as soon as any of your details change, this is especially important for changes of address or contact details (such as your mobile phone number), the practice will from time to time ask you to confirm that the information we currently hold is accurate and up-to-date.
Objections / Complaints
Should you have any concerns about how your information is managed at the GP, please contact the GP Practice Manager or the Data Protection Officer as above. If you are still unhappy following a review by the GP practice, you have a right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority: You have a right to complain to the UK supervisory Authority as below.
Information Commissioner:
Wycliffe house
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Tel: 01625 545745
www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
If you are happy for your data to be extracted and used for the purposes described in this privacy notice, then you do not need to do anything. If you have any concerns about how your data is shared, then please contact the Practice Data Protection Officer.
If you would like to know more about your rights in respect of the personal data we hold about you, please contact the Data Protection Officer as below.
Data Protection Officer:
The Practice Data Protection Officer is Paul Couldrey of PCIG Consulting Limited. Any queries in regard to Data Protection issues should be addressed to him at: –
Email: Couldrey@me.com
Postal: PCIG Consulting Limited
7 Westacre Drive
Quarry Bank
Dudley
West Midlands
DY5 2EE
Changes:
It is important to point out that we may amend this Privacy Notice from time to time. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our Privacy Notice, please contact the Practice Data Protection Officer.
GP Net Earnings
All GP Practices are required to declare mean earnings (e.g. average) for GPs working to deliver NHS services to patients at each practice.
The average pay for GPs working at Westdale Lane Surgery in the last financial year (2017/18) before tax and National Insurance was £49,780.00
This is for 2 full time GPs and 2 part time GPs.
It should be noted that the prescribed method for calculating earnings is potentially misleading because it takes no account of how much time doctors spend working in the practice, and should not be used to form any judgement about GP earnings, nor make any comparison with any other practice.
Named Accountable GP
Having a named GP does not prevent you from seeing or speaking to any other GP within the practice.
New patients will be allocated and informed of their named GP when they register with the practice.
Where a patient expresses a preference as to which GP they have been assigned, the practice will make reasonable efforts to accommodate this request.
Primary Care Network Group
The NHS is constantly changing to try and meet the increasing challenges of providing healthcare to the population. General Practice also known as primary care has a significant part to play in the way healthcare services are offered and delivered.
From 1st April all GP Practices were asked to join with neighbouring practices to form clusters which are being called Primary Care Networks. These networks will be made up of GP practices that are close to one another in location to make a total network population of between 30,000 and 50,000 patients. This does not mean that these practices will be merging together, more that they will become the centres around which other NHS services will be wrapped, such as district nurses and social care.
So what does this mean for you as our patient and the practice you are registered with?
Six practices in our area, namely Westdale Lane Surgery, Plains View, Unity, Ivy, Daybrook and Peacock Surgeries have come together to form a Primary Care Network. We hope that by working more closely together with each other and the services that we all rely on to support our work, we will be able to jointly deliver an improved service to you, our patient.
As of 1st July, Primary Care Network has been approved by our local Clinical Commissioning Group and we have appointed a clinical director (Dr Umar Ahmad) to help our network focus on areas for improvement, and act as a link to the other Primary Care Networks in the area, local hospitals and the Clinical Commissioning Group. This will help us to influence how health and social care is delivered to our joint population.
One of the most important and hopefully noticeable improvement for you will be the creation of more extended hours appointments available outside of the usual Monday to Friday 8am to 6.30pm. This builds on the already very successful extended access that has been offered by NNE CCG practices collaboratively since September 2018. In future, we hope to be able to offer a different range of appointments not just face to face but some telephone consultations as well as we know it can be difficult to have a discussion with your GP during the work day and possibly, on line.
We will also be employing a social prescriber who will support those isolated patients who need some support to integrate with the community and combat loneliness. The network is also in the process of recruiting a clinical pharmacist who will be working with all PCN practices to offer support with medicines management and various prescribing based functions to help enhance the service we offer to our patients.
We are at the very beginning on an exciting journey that is part of the NHS long term plan for how care should be delivered to communities. Westdale Lane Surgery and its primary care network members are committed to keeping you informed along every step of the way, so when we have more information or news, we will let you know.
For more information on Primary Care Network Groups please visit https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/primary-care-networks/
Summary Care Record
There is a new Central NHS Computer System called the Summary Care Record (SCR). It is an electronic record which contains information about the medicines you take, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had.
Why do I need a Summary Care Record?
Storing information in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed.
This information could make a difference to how a doctor decides to care for you, for example which medicines they choose to prescribe for you.
Who can see it?
Only healthcare staff involved in your care can see your Summary Care Record.
How do I know if I have one?
Over half of the population of England now have a Summary Care Record. You can find out whether Summary Care Records have come to your area by looking at our interactive map or by asking your GP
Do I have to have one?
No, it is not compulsory. If you choose to opt out of the scheme, then you will need to complete a form and bring it along to the surgery. You can use the form at the foot of this page.
More Information
For further information visit the NHS Care records website