Practice Policies & Patient Information
Chaperone Policy
All patients who desire it are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure.
A chaperone may be a family member or friend. You may however prefer a more formal chaperone such as a nurse or other member of staff; wherever possible we would ask that you make this request when you book your appointment so that arrangements can be made, and your appointment is not delayed in any way – if this is not possible we will try to provide a chaperone at the time, but it may occasionally be necessary to reschedule your appointment.
Your doctor or nurse may also require a chaperone in certain circumstances and in accordance with the chaperone policy.
This policy adheres to local and national guidance and policy.
Comments and Complaints
View/Download our Complaints Procedure
If you have any comments, compliments or complaints regarding the service, please advise Jacqui Grime our Patient Services Manager, or a member of the reception team. Alternatively you can make an appointment with, or write to, our Practice Manager Tracy Williams.
All discussions and correspondence are treated in confidence and you should feel free to express any views you may have.
Our full complaints policy is available to view and download under the Further Information section.
The Health Service Ombudsman
The Health Service Ombudsman has published a booklet that describes the ‘six principles for remedy’ in relation to complaints handling and involves:
- Getting it right
- Being customer focused
- Being open and accountable
- Acting fairly and proportionately
- Putting things right
- Seeking continuous improvements
If you remain unhappy after everything has been done to try to resolve your concern or complaint you have the right to approach the Ombudsman.
Tel: 0345 015 4033
Email: phso.enquiries@ombudsman.org.uk
Write: Millbank Tower, Millbank, London SW1P 4QP.
Confidentiality
At Worden Medical Centre we respect your right to privacy and keep all your health information confidential & secure. It is important that the NHS keeps accurate and up to date records about your health and treatment so that those treating you can give you the best possible advice and care. This information is only available to those involved in your care and you should never be asked for personal medical information by anyone not involved.
You have the right to know what information we hold about you. If you would like to see your records, please contact the Patient Services Manager, Jacqui Grime.
Our policy on ‘Sharing and Disclosing Patient Information’ is available should you wish to read it. Information regarding Access to Records and Data Protection are available in the Patient Information Folders situated in the waiting areas.
GP Net Earnings
NHS England require 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 to form any judgement about GP earnings, nor to make any comparison with any other practice.
All GP practices are required to declare the mean (average) earnings for GPs working to deliver NHS services to patients at each practice.
The average pay for GPs working in Worden Medical Centre in the last financial year (Sept 2021) was £ 58,118 before tax and National Insurance. This is for 3 full time GPs and 5 Part time GPs who worked at the practice for more than 6 months.
Information Sharing
How do we use your information?
Please click on the information sheet below
Summary Care Records
There is a new 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.
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 looking at our interactive map or by asking your GP
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 a form and bring it along to the surgery. You can use the form at the foot of this page.
More Information
For further information visit the NHS Care records website or the HSCIC Website.
Mission Statement
Worden Medical Centre is a long established provider of general medical services that is committed to preserving and enhancing its good reputation for being caring and innovative by providing high quality medical services in a friendly, happy and healthy environment, where the promotion of health and well-being to patients and staff is paramount.
Patients with Special Needs
All patient facilities are located on the ground floor with level access. We also have three parking bays outside our practice entrance which are reserved for patients displaying a disabled sticker.
For patients with a hearing aid, we have a loop system at the front desk; this is a portable device, also available for use in consulting rooms.
We can arrange interpretation and translation services by telephone for patients who do not speak English; please let us know if this service is required when booking an appointment. Alternatively feel free to bring along someone you trust to interpret.
Should you experience any difficulty, please discuss your requirements with the reception team.
Rights and Responsibilities
The Worden Medical Centre is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for patients and staff alike.
You have the right to receive a polite, confidential and efficient service at all times.
It is your responsibility to keep your appointments and arrive on time, or to give adequate notice of cancellation.
Abusive or violent behaviour
We expect patients to treat our staff with respect and courtesy and will not tolerate threatening, violent or abusive behaviour; such behaviour will result in removal from the practice list.