Some services provided are not covered under our contract with the NHS and therefore attract charges. Examples include the following:

• Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
• Insurance claim forms
• Firearm/Shotgun Reports
• Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
• Private sick notes
• Vaccination certificates

The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our reception staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability (if applicable)

ACCESS TO MEDICAL RECORDS – SUBJECT ACCESS REQUESTS

Upon receipt of a request for access to information from a medical record it is essential that the practice has enough information in order to determine

• if the information is a computerised record or a manual record or a combination of the two.
• What dates the request covers
• Where the information may have originated from ie the name of any third party, other GP, health organisation

All request must be made in writing

• The practice must be satisfied as to identity of person making the request
• It is permissible to  clarify with patient concerned what information is required
• The practice must respond within 40 calendar days
• The practice must give
• a copy of the information provided or allow the patient to have sight of the information before it is released if they wish to do so
• an explanation of abbreviations, medical terms illegible handwriting etc.
• Access to computerised records is free of charge.

When releasing information following a request for information

• Information relating to another individual (third party) who can be identified from that information may be withheld unless the third party agrees to the disclosure
• Information should never be disclosed without consent from the patient unless there is valid reason for doing so

• In determining whether it is reasonable to supply information relating to another individual without consent

• regard shall be had to:
  • any duty of confidentiality owed
  • any steps taken by the data controller to seek consent
  • whether the individual is capable of giving consent
  • any express refusal of consent

Access requests may be expected from various parties i.e.

• Patients/Clients
• Parents
• Representatives
• Solicitors
• Statutory Services
• Police
• Other third parties

It is expected that any access request will be made in writing and if from an organisation such as a solicitor or an employer the request will arrive with written consent from the patient.  If no consent is provided the request will be rejected.  The practice will only request consent for access to medical records from a patient where it is a direct request to the practice by the patient.

Once it has been determined that the request and consent is in order the information may be gathered from the patient record for a practice clinician to review and authorise.