Patient rights & responsibilities

We have a policy of no discrimination.

It should be possible to see a Doctor within 48 hours and a health care professional within 24 hours.

We would remind patients of the need to keep appointments or to cancel in plenty of time – if you are late by more than 10 minutes you will have to rebook your appointment.

Due to the nature of general practice, Doctor and nurse surgeries do not always run to time. When this happens we would ask that:

  • Please do not bring more that one or two problems to a consultation
  • Please make a separate appointment to discuss other issues.

If you have been waiting for more than 30 minutes please inform the reception staff. Although we appreciate that patients can be anxious and concerned we would ask that they be courteous to members of the practice team.

Abusive/Aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated

The doctors and staff at this surgery are here to help you and want to provide the best possible standard of care. Occasionally doctors and staff are faced with verbal abuse, threats and even physical violence. This type of behaviour is unacceptable and we will not tolerate it.

Unacceptable behaviour is any behaviour which you would not like yourself. It includes shouting, swearing, banging fists and threatened or actual violence. This kind of behaviour upsets not only the practice staff but also other patients waiting to be seen.

We will not attend to anyone behaving in this way. We may ask them to leave the premises, we may also call the police. We record all violent and aggressive incidents.

Thank you for respecting our staff and patients.

How to get the most out of your GP appointment

A patient’s guide to your rights as stated in the NHS Constitution

The NHS Constitution sets out your rights as a patient when using the NHS in England.

This checklist is to help you get the best out of your GP appointment, using the rights stated in the NHS Constitution.

Make sure you tear off this leaflet, use it to help plan your GP appointment and take it with you to use with your GP if helpful.

Your Checklist:

  • Being treated with dignity and respect

My GP introduced him/herself, was polite and listened to me

  • Asking permission before carrying out a physical examination

My GP asked for permission to carry out an examination on me

  • Information about the treatment your Doctor thinks is best for you

My GP explained why they think a treatment is best for me and any risks.
My GP told me about any risks of not taking a treatment and if there are any alternatives.
My GP let me ask questions.

  • Your right to drugs and treatments that have been recommended for the NHS if your doctor says are appropriate for you

My GP gave me information on what treatments and drugs are available to me.

The decision on which treatment is best for you is a joint decision between you and your GP

  • If you decide you do not want any treatment your GP should respect this

My GP understood the reasons why I did not want the treatment offered and discussed the other options and choices available to me.

  • You can see your own health records if you want to

My GP practice let me see my medical records when I asked

  • If you need to go to hospital ask your doctor about the choice of hospitals available. Some may be able to see you more quickly.

My GP talked through the different hospitals available to me and the benefits of being seen at each of these hospitals, such as shorter waiting times. My GP involved me in choosing which hospital I wanted to go to for treatment.

Page updated: 14 February, 2022