Practice Policies & Patient Information
Access to medical records
The practice is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. We comply with the Data Protection Act 2018.
We manage requests for access to medical records according to the Act. Please contact the Practice Manager for further information.
Summary Care Record.
If you’re registered with a GP surgery you’ll have a Summary Care Record, unless you’ve chosen not to have one. It contains basic information including your allergies and medicines. It also includes any previous reactions you’ve had to medicine.
Having this information in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when the practice is closed.
Follow this link to the NHS website for more information on how to access your health records
GP2GP
GP2GP transfers electronic health records between a patient’s old and new practices. It is a direct, secure and quick way to send your medical records when you change GPs.
Find out more about GP2GP on the NHS Digital website
Your data matters to the NHS
Your health records contain a type of data called confidential patient information. This data can help with research and planning.
You can choose if you want to share your data. You can also choose for someone else, such as your children under 13.
Your choice will only apply to the health and care system in England. It will not apply to services you use in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Visit the NHS website to find out how this data is used and how to opt out.
Complaints
If you have a complaint about the practice, please fill the online feedback form.
We will answer your concerns as soon as possible.
GDPR
Sharing Your Data
The law requires Alpha Medical Practice to share information from your medical records in certain circumstances. Information is shared so that the NHS or Public Health England can, for example:
- Plan and manage services.
- Check that the care being provided is safe.
- Prevent infectious diseases from spreading.
We will share information with NHS Digital, the Care Quality Commission and local health protection team (or Public Health England) when the law requires us to do so. We must also share your information if a court of law orders us to do so. Please see below for more information.
Your Care Connected (YCC)
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Public Health
Handling Your Data
Data Protection Officer – Dr Yahya Mahmood
Data Controller Contact Details – Alpha Medical Centre
Purpose of the Processing – Compliance with legal obligations or court orders
Lawful Basis of Processing
- Article 6(1)(c) – ‘Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject…’
- Article 9(2)(h) – ‘Processing is necessary for the purpose of preventative… medicine… the provision of health or social care or treatment or the management of health or social care systems and services…’
Recipient or Categories of Recipients of the Processed Data
- NHS Digital.
- Care Quality Commission (or equivalent body).
- Our local health protection team or Public Health England.
- The court if ordered.
Rights to Object and the National Data Opt-out
There are very limited rights to object when the law requires information to be shared but government policy allows some rights of objection as set out below.
Non-urgent advice: NHS Digital
Please note: The ‘Type 1’ objection, however, will no longer be available after 2020. This means you will not be able to object to your data being shared with NHS Digital when it is legally required under the Health and Social Care Act 2012. (All the above information is in England only).
Care Quality Commission
NHS Digital Sharing with the Home Office
Public Health
Court Order
Your Data
Rights to Access and Correct
We are not aware of any circumstances in which you will have the right to delete correct information from your medical record; although you are free to obtain your own legal advice if you believe there is no lawful purpose for which we hold the information and contact us if you hold a different view.
Retention Period
Right to Complain
GP net earnings
Disclaimer: NHS England requires that the net earnings of doctors engaged in the practice is publicised and the required disclosure is shown below. However, 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 for any judgement about GP earnings, nor to make any comparisons with other practices.
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 Alpha Medical Practice in financial year 2022, was approx. £72,000 before tax and national Insurance.
Patient Confidentiality
You have a right to privacy and we respect this.
We 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. This means those treating you can give you the best possible care.
This information may be used for management and audit purposes. 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 Manager.
Patient rights & responsibilities
In the United Kingdom, patients registered with a General Practitioner (GP) practice under the National Health Service (NHS) have certain rights and responsibilities. These rights and responsibilities are outlined to ensure that patients receive appropriate and respectful healthcare. It’s important to note that healthcare policies and guidelines may be subject to change, and individuals should refer to the most recent information or consult with their GP practice for the latest details. responsibilities:
Rights of a Patient:
- Access to NHS Services:
You have the right to access NHS services for necessary healthcare needs. - Choice of GP:
You have the right to choose your GP practice, and in some cases, the GP within that practice. - Information and Communication:
You have the right to be informed about your condition, treatment options, and any risks involved.
You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. - Consent:
You have the right to make decisions about your own treatment, including the right to refuse treatment. - Confidentiality:
Your medical information should be kept confidential, and you have the right to access your medical records. - Complaints:
You have the right to make a complaint if you are unhappy with the care or services provided. - Free NHS Services:
In most cases, NHS services are free at the point of use. - Emergency Care:
You have the right to receive emergency care when needed.
Responsibilities of a Patient:
- Registration:
Provide accurate and up-to-date information when registering with a GP practice. - Appointments:
Attend appointments punctually and inform the practice if you cannot attend. - Respect for Staff:
Treat all healthcare staff with respect and courtesy. - Medication Management:
Take medications as prescribed and follow medical advice. - Emergency Services:
Use emergency services appropriately and responsibly. - Informing the GP:
Inform your GP of any changes in your health or medication. - Feedback:
Provide feedback to the practice, both positive and negative. - Understanding Rights and Responsibilities:
Be aware of your rights and responsibilities as a patient.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that the healthcare system is dynamic, and policies may change. Patients are encouraged to stay informed about their rights and responsibilities by consulting with their GP practice or checking official NHS guidelines regularly.
Privacy Notice
As data controllers, GPs have fair processing responsibilities under the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This means ensuring that your personal confidential data (PCD) is handled in ways that are safe, transparent and what you would reasonably expect.
Violent or abusive behaviour
Threatening, abusive or violent behaviour against our staff or patients is unacceptable.
If a patient is violent or abusive we will warn them to stop. If they continue, we may exercise our right to remove them from our list of patients. This may be immediately, if necessary.