Lower Stondon Surgery

Patient rights and responsibilities

Policy on Patient’s Rights

In relation to primary care, patients have certain rights.

  • Has the right to be on a practice list.
  • Has the right to see a GP (this does not need to be their named GP) at the surgery during surgery hours. If an appointment system is operated and the patient does not have one, an appointment for a later surgery should be offered as long as the delay does not result in a risk to health.
  • Should have access to a telephone number for the Out of Hours service outside of surgery hours.
  • Should have a home visit if considered neccessary by the GP.
  • If temporarily away from home must receive treatment if it is considered to be required immediately, though the GP is not bound to accept them as a temporary resident.
  • Has the right to change practice, by applying to another practice. No reason is required.
  • Is required to give consent before being examined or treated. However a visit to the GP is considered to constitute consent.
  • Is entitled to a chaperone during intimate examinations.
  • Is not bound legally to accept treatment; however a doctor can give essential treatment if the patient is temporarily incapable of understanding or consenting as per Adults with incapacity Act.
  • May refuse to be examined when a medical student is present.
  • Is entitled to a full and truthful answer unless the answers would result in anxiety, which may injure the person’s health.
  • Has the right to complain about their GP if he has not followed his terms of service or behaves in an unprofessional or unethical way. The patient should then be kept informed about how the complaint is being dealt with and told the outcome.
  • Has the right to see medical reports requested by insurance companies or employers before they are forwarded. However a GP may withhold them if access may cause harm to the patient or if they contain information about a third party.
  • Has the right to confidentiality.

With These Rights Come Responsibilities

  • We ask that patients attend their appointments at the arranged times. If they cannot attend they will inform the surgery as soon as possible.
  • We expect that patients will understand that an appointment is for one person only. Additional appointments will be made if more than one person needs to be seen.
  • Patients are responsible for their own health and the health of their children.
  • We ask that request for help or advice for non-urgent matters be made during surgery hours.
  • Home visits should only be made for patients who are seriously ill. It is important to bear in mind that most medical problems are dealt with more effectively in the clinical setting of a well-equipped surgery.
  • Many problems can be solved on advice alone; therefore patients should not always expect a prescription at every consultation.
  • We ask that patients treat the doctors and staff with courtesy and respect.
  • Patients must inform the practice staff of any alterations in their circumstances such as change of name, address or telephone number.

Date published: 10th October, 2014
Date last updated: 22nd April, 2020