Confidentiality
Your information will be treated in confidence. We are unable to discuss your details or medical information unless we have your specific permission; this includes giving out appointment information and test results.
You have the right to see your medical records and information held about you on the computer system whilst chaperoned by a member of staff. To do this you will need to write to the practice manager requesting to see your medical records and suggestions for when this would be convenient for you. The practice manager will organise an appointment for you and this will be confirmed with you by the surgery.
Doctors and staff in the practice have access to your medical records to enable them to do their jobs. From time to time information may be shared with others involved in your care if it is necessary. Anyone who has access to your record is properly trained in confidentiality issues and is governed by both a legal and contractual duty to keep your details private. Your information will be treated in confidence.
We are registered under the Data Protection Act 1984 as amended by the Data Protection Act 1998.
Carers
If you are a carer for a relative, neighbour, or looking after your partner then please ask reception for one of our Carer's forms. This will give staff permission to discuss clinical matters with your carer and also helps the doctors and nurses identify patients who are carers and may need more support. This is for carers of any age group.
Freedom of Information Act - Publication Scheme
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 obliges the practice to produce a Publication Scheme. A Publication Scheme is a guide to the 'classes' of information the practice intends to routinely make available. The Fountain Medical Centre follows the model scheme for GP practices approved by the Information Commissioner. The information covered is included in the classes of information mentioned below:
Classes of Information
Class 1 - Who we are and what we do
Organisational information, structures, locations and contacts.
Class 2 - What we spend and how we spend it
Financial information relating to projected and actual income and expenditure, procurement, contracts and financial audits.
Class 3 - What our priorities are and how we are doing
Strategies and plans, performance indicators, audits, inspections and reviews.
Class 4 - How we make decisions
Decision making processes and records of decisions.
Class 5 - Our Policies and Procedures
Current written policies and procedures for delivering our services and responsibilities.
Class 6 - Lists and registers
Class 7 - The services we offer
Information about the services we offer, including leaflets, guidance and newsletters produced for the public.
Information can be accessed via the website, practice leaflet or on request. By law we have to respond to requests within 20 working days and some requests for information may be subject to a fee.
The disclosure of personal data is subject to the Data Protection Act.
This scheme is available from reception.