All Polices

Named GP

If you have a preference regarding one of the doctors, please inform the receptionist at the time of registration and it will be noted in your medical record.

Please note we cannot guarantee you will have access to see this GP.

GP Earnings

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

The average pay for GPs working in the Bridge Street Surgery in the last financial year was £74,463 before tax and National Insurance. This is for three full time GPs, and four part time GPs who have worked in the practice for more than six months.

Zero Tolerance Policy

The practice considers aggressive behaviour to be any personal, abusive and/or aggressive comments, cursing and/or swearing, physical contact and/or aggressive gestures.

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.

All instances of actual physical abuse on any doctor or member of staff, by a patient or their relatives will be reported to the police as an assault.

Training Practice

Medical students and nursing students attend the practice from time to time. We hope that you will cooperate with us and help the students to learn about general practice.

However, you will be informed of their presence in advance, and if you do not want them to be present at a consultation, your wishes will be respected. This will not affect your treatment in any way.

Summary Care Records

There is a central NHS computer system called the summary care record (SCR). It is an electronic record which contains information about the medicines you take, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had. Over time it will build to include information about other health issues considered important to your wellbeing.

Why do I need a summary care record?

Storing information in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed.

This information could make a difference to how a doctor decides to care for you, for example which medicines they choose to prescribe for you.

Who can see it?

Only healthcare staff involved in your care can see your summary care record.

How do I know if I have one?

Over half of the population of England now have a summary care record. You can find out whether summary care records have come to your area by asking the surgery directly.

Enhanced summary care record

If you wanted to ‘enhance’ your record it would include the following information:

  • Significant medical history (past and present)
  • Reason for medication
  • Anticipatory care information (important in the management of long term conditions)
  • Communication preferences
  • End of life care information
  • Immunisations

You can opt in for an enhanced summary care record at any time.

Children under the age of 16

Patients under 16 years will have an enhanced summary care record created for them unless their GP surgery is advised otherwise. If you are the parent or guardian of a child under 16 then you should make this information available to them if they are old enough to decide for themselves if they want a summary care record.

Whatever you decide, you can change your mind at any time.

If you are a family member or carer of a person and you have concerns that they may not have the mental capability to make this decision, please contact the practice.

Do I have to have one?

No, it is not compulsory. If you choose to opt out of the scheme, then you will need to complete the Summary Care Record Opt Out form.

More information

For further information, please visit the HSCIC Website.

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

You will be treated with respect and as a partner in your care. Being a partner means you have responsibilities too.

We will:

  • Ensure our patients have 24 hour access to medical advice.
  • Aim for you to have access to a suitably qualified medical professional within 48 hours of your initial contact during surgery hours, or in an urgent case, the same day.
  • Work in partnership with you to achieve the best medical care possible.
  • Involve you and listen to your opinions and views in all aspects of your medical care.
  • The prevention of disease, illness and injury is a primary concern.

The medical staff will advise and inform you of the steps you can take to promote good health and a healthy lifestyle.

We would respectfully ask that you:

  • Let us know if you intend to cancel an appointment or are running late.
  • Treat staff with courtesy and respect. Reception staff may have to ask some personal questions to assist us in providing you with the best service.
  • Inform the practice staff of any alterations in your circumstances such as change of surname, address or telephone number. Please ensure that we have your correct telephone number, even if it’s ex-directory. If you need to update your details, please change your personal details online.

As patients, you are responsible for your own health and that of any dependents. It is important that you adhere to information and advice given to you by health professionals, and cooperate with the practice in endeavouring to keep you healthy.

Freedom of Information

Information about the GPs and the practice required for disclosure under this act can be made available to the public. All requests for such information should be made to the practice manager.

There are seven classes of information:

  • Who we are and what we do
  • What we spend and how we spend it
  • What our priorities are and how we are doing
  • How we make decisions
  • Our policies and procedures
  • Lists and registers
  • Services the practice offers

For more information, please review the Information Commissioner’s Office guide on the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

COVID GDPR/Privacy Notice

Please be aware that we may use new providers or suppliers to help us quickly adapt during the outbreak and to continue your care effectively. For example, we may use a new provider for video consultations. We may not be able to add these to our transparency materials right away, and we apologise for this but please be assured that all of our processors are bound by contract to protect your data.

During COVID-19 we may ask you to send a photograph of your bruise or skin condition that you are concerned about whilst we conduct virtual consultations. This photograph will be used by the clinician to determine any medical treatment necessary and will be added to your medical record.

Please note that as this is sent via email, it may not be secure and we therefore ask that you only include your NHS number alongside your photograph in the email. The photograph should only be of the area requested and no other person should be visible in the shot.

Data Protection Officer: Kafico

Confidentiality Policy

All members of the practice team are bound by a code of practice which includes keeping confidential any information about patients held within the practice or known by any member of the team.

It is a breach of contract for any member of staff to divulge any personal information about any other member of staff or patient. Any suggestion of this would lead to a disciplinary hearing and if proven, to a termination of employment.

Patient information is generally held under legal and ethical obligations of confidentiality. Information provided in confidence should not be used or disclosed in a form that might identify the patient without their consent.

Some information about patients is recorded on the practice computer system. This information may be discussed with other health care professionals or with local primary care organisation officers, as it is useful in confirming the standard of care offered to certain groups of patients. However, this information is anonymised and patients cannot be identified from it.