Practice Charter

Confidentiality

We ask for your personal information so that you can receive appropriate care and treatment. This information is recorded on computer and we are registered under the Data Protection Act. The practice will ensure that patient confidentiality is maintained at all times by all members of the practice team. However, for the effective functioning of a multi-disciplinary team it is sometimes necessary that medical information about you is shared between members of the practice team.

Comments & Complaints

Our practice has an in-house complaints procedure. If you have any complaints or problems with our service, please write to the practice manager (all such matters are dealt with in the strictest confidence). Your complaint will be thoroughly investigated and usually, within 14 days, you will receive a written reply and an invitation to discuss your complaint. If you are still dissatisfied, we will advise you how to take the matter further with the local Primary Care Trust.

Violent Patients - Zero Tolerance

If a patient commits an act of violence, which could be physical or verbal, against any doctor, member of staff, patient or any other person present either in the surgery or on the premises where they are being treated, or behaves in such a way that any of these feared for their safety, it will result in them being removed from the practice list and the incident will be reported to the FHSA and the police.

Freedom Of Information

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.

Primary Care Trust

Our contract is held with Gateshead PCT and details may be obtained from the Primary Care Department, Gateshead PCT, NHS SOTW, Pemberton House, Colima Avenue, Sunderland Enterprise Park, Sunderland. SR5 3XB. Tel: 0191 5297316.