GP & Patient Responsibilities (Code of Practice)

What you can expect from us….

  • We will treat you with honesty, respect, dignity and understanding.
  • We will treat you as an individual.
  • We will respect your privacy and right to confidentiality.
  • We will provide health promotion and screening as our commitment to patient care.
  • All information we may hold will be treated with total confidentiality in accordance with the law.
  • Information about you will only be released to a third party with your written consent.
  • You will be provided with full information about the practice and the services we offer.
  • We will support you in caring for yourself to improve and maintain your health
  • We will ensure that all staff undertake relevant and appropriate training

What we expect from you….

  • You should recognise that you can make a significant contribution to your own and your family’s good health and well-being and take some personal responsibility for it.
  • You should treat NHS staff and other patients with honesty, dignity, respect and understanding.
  • You should adhere to our strict zero tolerance policy towards all staff at the Practice.
  • You should recognise that causing a nuisance or disturbance on NHS premises could result in a prosecution.
  • You should provide accurate information about your health, condition and status.
  • You should use NHS services responsibly.
  • You should keep appointments at the surgery or any other NHS service or cancel within reasonable time. Receiving treatment within a maximum waiting time may be compromised unless you do.
  • You should follow the course of treatment which you have agreed and talk to your clinician if you find this difficult.
  • You should participate in important public health programmes such as vaccination and screening.
  • You should ensure that those closest to you are aware of your wishes about organ donation.
  • You should attend for your annual long-term condition reviews (if applicable).
  • You should attend for regular blood monitoring if requested to do so by the practice.
  • You should give feedback – both positive and negative – about the treatment and care you have received including any adverse reactions you may have had.
  • You should keep you contact details up to date.
  • You should accommodate practice systems and initiatives such as care navigation.
Updated: 21st May 2025 (ABolton)