Confidentiality & Medical Records
We respect your right to privacy and keep all your health information confidential and 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 care.
This information may be used for management and audit purposes. However, it is usually only available to, and used by, those involved in your care. You have the right to know what information we hold about you. If you would like to see your records please contact the Practice Manager.
The practice is registered and complies with the Data Protection Act 1998. Any request for access to notes by a patient, patient’s representative or outside body will be dealt with in accordance with the Act. Please contact the Practice Manager for further information.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 recognises that members of the public have the right to know how public services are organised and run, how much they cost and how decisions are made. The doctors at Bridgegate Medical Centre provide a publication scheme which is a guide to the information routinely made available. It is a description of the information about Bridgegate Medical Centre and the General Practitioners that work there. It will be reviewed at regular intervals and its effectiveness monitored.
Access to Records
In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Access to Health Records Act, patients may request to see their medical records. Such requests should be made through the practice manager and may be subject to an administration charge. No information will be released without the patient consent unless we are legally obliged to do so.
Comments/Complaints policy 
We aim to provide a personal, friendly and efficient service. If you have any comments or suggsetions regarding the service we provide, we would be happy to hear from you either in person or by letter.
Sometimes a patient may have a cause for complaint. Please contact our practice manager, Mr Philip Jones, who will outline our complaint procedure and endeavor to resolve the problem.
Violence Policy
The NHS operate a zero tolerance policy with regard to violence and abuse and the practice has the right to remove violent patients from the list with immediate effect in order to safeguard practice staff, patients and other persons. Violence in this context includes actual or threatened physical violence or verbal abuse which leads to fear for a person’s safety. In this situation we will notify the patient in writing of their removal from the list and record in the patient’s medical records the fact of the removal and the circumstances leading to it.
Chaperone Policy
In certain circumstances during an examination of an intimate nature the doctor may ask a nurse to be present. This is to protect both the doctor and the patient. If a suitable chaperone is not available an alternative appointment will be offered. A patient may of course request a chaperone to be present but this may mean that another appointment will be necessary.