Doclands Medical Centre

PRACTICE CHARTER

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

This practice operates the NHS Zero Tolerance Policy. We are committed to do everything possible to protect staff, patients and visitors from unacceptable behaviour and to enforce zero tolerance of any incident that causes hurt, alarm, damage or distress. The use of bad language, shouting or violence to any member of this practice or to other patients will not be accepted. Anyone who offends in this way will be asked to leave the surgery without being treated.

CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

We provide a confidential service to all patients regardless of age. This means we do not tell anyone about your visit unless you ask us to do so, including patients under 16 years.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PATIENTS

When you register as a patient, you will be registering with the practice as a whole.

PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Please be courteous to all surgery staff.
  
• Please keep your appointment or give the practice adequate notice to cancel. Three missed appointments, without explanation, will lead to removal from the practice list.
  
• Home visits and out-of-hours services should only be requested if absolutely necessary and before 10.30am if possible.
  
• Be punctual, but be prepared to wait if your consultation is delayed for good reason.
• Violent or abusive behaviour directed towards any member of staff will not be tolerated and patients will be removed from the practice list if this occurs.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS

We are happy to accept and consider comments and suggestions from our patients. Please present your views in writing and place them in a suggestion box which is placed in the waiting room, or take them directly to reception if you prefer.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION - PUBLICATION SCHEME

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 obliges the practice to produce a Publication Scheme. A Publication Scheme is a guide to the 'classes' of information the practice intends to routinely make available.
This scheme is available from reception.