Practice Charter

Complaints

You are able to make a comment or complaint about the service offered by this practice. This can be done by speaking, writing to or telephoning the practice manager. You can also speak to your GP or any member of staff.

The practice will deal with your concern in person or by writing to you within two working days of receiving it.

If you wish to make a complaint on behalf of a relative you will need to seek their agreement. To keep matters confidential, this will be required in writing.

The practice will look into your complaint and let you know what they find. They will also tell you what action they are going to take.

You will be told of these decisions within two weeks of making the complaint. If for any reason the investigation has taken longer, the practice will keep you up to date on the action they are taking.

If you need help or may not be satisfied with the way the practice had handled your complaint, or their reply, you may refer your complaint to the Barnsley Primary Care Trust or Patient Advice Liaison Service. They can be contacted at:

The practice is contracted to:

Suggestions

Any written comments or suggestions to improve the service we provide will be welcome. If you prefer you may discuss your suggestions with the practice manager.

Confidentiality

All are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the doctors and nurses.

Access To Information

The practice stores information on computer to prepare prescriptions, arrange appointments and recall data such as cervical smears etc.

Under the Data Protection Act 1998 we are obliged to keep your data confidential. Test results will only be given to the patient, unless prior written authorisation has been given to disclose to a third party. Staff are required to treat your information in the strictest confidence. Failure to do so can result in dismissal.

Violent or Abusive Patients

The practice will not tolerate violent or abusive behaviour. Anyone verbally abusing either a member of staff or the public, or using inappropriate language, will be asked to leave the premises and requested to find another GP.

Anyone who is violent or causing damage will be removed from the list immediately.