As an employer, the practice has a duty to care for the health and safety of its staff.

The practice also has a legal responsibility to provide a safe and secure working environment for staff.

All patients are expected to behave in an acceptable manner and violent or abusive behaviour towards staff or patients may result in removal from our practice list or even criminal proceedings. The practice follows the NHS guidance concerning zero tolerance.

The practice has a policy of zero tolerance of verbal and physical violence towards GPs, staff or other patients.

The practice will request the removal of any patient from the practice list who is aggressive or abusive towards a doctor, member of staff, other patient, or who damages property.

We report all physical abuse to the police as an assault.

We expect all patients to be responsible and avoid attending the surgery under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

Any alteration of prescriptions is illegal and will not be tolerated.

If you’re unhappy with the quality of service you have the right to register with another practice without notifying us.

On the very rare occasions when a patient repeatedly ignores their responsibilities to the Practice, we have the right to remove the patient from our Practice list.

Unacceptable behaviour

Examples of unacceptable behaviour include:

• violence
• excessive noise eg recurrent loud or intrusive conversation or shouting
• threatening or abusive language involving swearing or offence remarks
• derogatory racial or sexual remarks
• malicious allegations relating to members of staff, other patients or visitors
• offensive sexual gestures or behaviours
• abusing alcohol or drugs on practice premises
• drug dealing on practice premises
• wilful damage to practice property
• threats or threatening behaviour
• theft

Zero tolerance

Our staff have the right to be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

They should be able to do their jobs without being physically or verbally abused.

Anyone found abusing the staff in person or on the telephone will be asked to leave the practice.

This behaviour will not be tolerated.

Removal from the patient list

In exceptional circumstances, a breakdown may occur between a doctor and their patient.

If the breakdown is serious, for example physical or verbal abuse to any member of the practice team, the doctors may feel that the relationship has been compromised.

We may take steps to remove the patient from the doctor’s list. Where possible, we prefer to discuss with the patient to try to find a solution.

We give reasons for removal in writing.

General practice data for planning and research (GPDfPR)

NHS Digital has been collecting data from GPs through its trusted General Practice Extraction Service.

This system is now being replaced with their new General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDPR) service, a broader general-purpose collection which will enable faster access to pseudonymised patient data for planners and researchers.

The NHS needs data about the patients it treats in order to plan and deliver its services and to ensure that care and treatment provided is safe and effective. The General Practice Data for Planning and Research data collection will help the NHS to improve health and care services for everyone by collecting patient data that can be used to do this.

GP practices already share patient data for these purposes, but this new data collection will be more efficient and effective.

This means that GPs can get on with looking after their patients, and NHS Digital can provide controlled access to patient data to the NHS and other organisations who need to use it, to improve health and care for everyone.

Opting out of NHS Digital collecting your data (‘Type 1 opt-out’)

If you do not want your identifiable patient data to be shared outside of your GP practice for purposes except for your own care, you can register an opt-out with your GP practice. This is known as a Type 1 opt-out.

Type 1 opt-outs were introduced in 2013 for data sharing from GP practices, but may be discontinued in the future as a new opt-out has since been introduced to cover the broader health and care system, called the National Data Opt-out. If this happens people who have registered a Type 1 Opt-out will be informed.

NHS Digital will not collect any patient data for patients who have already registered a Type 1 opt-out in line with current policy. If this changes patients who have registered a Type 1 opt-out will be informed.

How to register a Type 1 opt-out

To register a Type 1 opt-out you need to do the following.

1. Download the Type 1 opt-out form from the NHS website
2. Complete the form and return it to your GP practice – you can do this by post or email, or leave it in person.

You can also contact us for a form to be sent out to you.

You can register a Type 1 opt-out at any time. You can also change your mind at any time and withdraw a Type 1 opt-out. If you have already registered a Type 1 opt-out with your GP practice your data will not be shared with NHS Digital.

If you have previously registered a Type 1 opt-out and you would like to withdraw this, you can also use the form to do this.

We respect your right to privacy and keep all your health information confidential and secure. It is important that the NHS keeps accurate and up-to-date records about your health and treatment so that those treating you can give you the best possible care.

This information may be used for management and audit purposes. However, it is usually only available to, and used by, those involved in your care. You have the right to know what information we hold about you. If you would like to see your records please contact the practice.

Your confidentiality is important to us

You can be sure that anything you discuss with any member of this practice – family doctor, nurse, receptionist – will stay confidential.

Even if you are under 16 nothing will be said to anyone – including parents, other family members, carer workers or tutors – without your permission. The only reason why we might want to consider passing on confidential information without your permission, would be to protect you or someone else from serious harm. We would always try to discuss this with you first.

If you are being treated elsewhere – for example at a hospital or Brook centre – it is best if you allow the doctor or nurse to inform the practice of any treatment you are receiving.

If you have any worries about confidentiality please feel free to ask a member of staff.

All GP practices are required to declare the mean earnings (e.g. average pay) for GPs working to deliver NHS services to patients at each practice.

The average pay for GPs working in Brierley Park Medical Centre in the last financial year was £103,525 before tax and national insurance.  This is for 1 full time GP and 9 part time GPs and 3 locum who worked in the practice for more than six months .

You can now request to see your test results and medical records from your NHS account.

What’s changed

You can apply see all the information within your health record.

If you are over 16 and have an online NHS account, such as through the NHS App or NHS website, you can apply to access this information.  Please complete a online request form from reception and return this with photographic ID

What health information you can see

You will be able to access:

• notes from GP appointments
• test results
• any letters saved on your records

This only applies to records from your GP, not from hospitals or other specialists.

Privacy advice

If you do not want to see your health record or if you have any concerns, please contact the practice.

The NHS app and website are secure so no one is able to access your information except you.

If you do not have the NHS app or an online account

These changes only apply to people with the NHS app or an online NHS account.

If you do not want an online account, you can still access your health records by asking at reception.

Medical records hold information about you. They are sometimes called health records.

Your GP medical record includes:

• past conditions
• allergies
• medication
• test results
• appointment notes and letters

You will have different records for other NHS services you’ve used, including hospitals, dentists and opticians. To access these records, you’ll need to contact the relevant service.

Using the NHS App or website

The NHS app is a quick way to access NHS services. Using the NHS app means you do not need to enter your personal details each time you contact the surgery. You can read more about the app on the NHS website.

You can view your GP medical record online using your NHS account.

You will need the NHS app or your NHS account login details.

Find out more

For more information about how to request your medical records from other health services, such as hospitals and dentists, see NHS advice on medical records.