Other Information

URGENT PROBLEMS

It is not normally necessary to inform the receptionist that your problem is urgent. However, if you feel that you need to be seen immediately please advise the receptionist accordingly. Sick children will always be seen as soon as possible if brought to the surgery. (This is often quicker than a home visit.) If in doubt about bringing your child, please phone the surgery and the doctor will give you advice.

TEMPORARY RESIDENTS

If you have someone staying with you and they need to see a doctor, we will be happy to see them as a temporary resident. Please enquire at reception for details.

INTERPRETING SERVICE

The reception team can book telephone interpreting for a range of languages. An interpreter can also be pre-booked for a specific consultation if required. Please let reception know in advance if you require this service.

FLU/PNEUMOVAX

Please contact the practice from early September. It is important to have a flu vaccine if you are 65 or over or suffer from coronary heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or other chronic illnesses. Residents of nursing/residential homes and health workers are also advised to be vaccinated.

Pneumovax vaccine, which is also available, protects the body against bacteria that can cause serious disease such as pneumonia, blood poisoning and meningitis. It is recommended for everyone over 65 years of age and others with long-standing ill health. Please enquire at reception if you think you are eligible for this vaccine.

NON-NHS EXAMINATIONS/REPORTS

These are available when required but we have to charge for them. The reception desks hold an up-to-date list of charges so please ask for these or if you require further details.

CHAPERONING

For intimate examinations or procedures, the health professionals may use a chaperone. If you would like to be accompanied by a chaperone, please tell the doctor and a fully trained member of staff will be present for the procedure.

ACCESS TO MEDICAL RECORDS

We ask you for information about yourself so that you can receive proper care and treatment. We keep this information, together with details of your care, because it may be needed if we see you again. Sometimes the law requires us to pass on information: for example, to notify a birth. The NHS Central Register for England & Wales contains basic personal details of all patients registered with a general practitioner. The register does not contain clinical information. You have a right of access to your health records.

ZERO TOLERANCE TO VIOLENCE OR THE THREAT OF VIOLENCE

The whole health service in Wolverhampton has agreed a policy that we will not tolerate violence or the threat of violence towards any member of staff or anyone else on our premises. Should a patient be violent or abusive to any member of the practice team on the practice premises or to persons working in collaboration with our team, we reserve the right to remove the patient from the practice list with immediate effect.

Alternative facilities are available for patients excluded from a GP's surgery.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION – 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. This scheme is available from reception.