Practice Policies & Information
Confidentiality and GDPR
All patients’ records on file or computer are completely confidential. The practice complies with the Access to Medical Records Act, the Data Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Act. Access to patient records is limited to health professionals and administration staff who are bound by a code of confidentiality. In order to maintain confidentiality, test results will only be given to the patients themselves or parents of minors. This notice explains how Burton Croft Surgery will collect, look after, use or otherwise process your personal data. “Personal data” is information relating to you as a living, identifiable individual. Please click on the document to open this and read the privacy notice.
CQC information
Information about the practice being a registered provider by the Care Quality Commission
Overview
Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 every registered provider must have a Statement of Purpose that includes the required set of information about our service. The Statement describes:
- The Provider’s aims and objectives in providing the service
- The kinds of service provided
- The health or care needs the service sets out to meet
- The locations where the services are actually provided or provided from
- Details from the provider including their legal status, and any manager, including the ‘address for service’ for all registered persons
Enhanced data sharing model
Sharing enables a clinician to get a full picture of all elements that affect your treatment.
Data shared with who and why?
Many GP practices in Leeds, the out of hours on-call Doctor service and any other organisation who uses the S1 clinical system.
This means that if we refer you to a service that is already using S1, the person you go and see will have access to your full GP record and vice versa. This allows for safer care and means you have to repeat your storey less often.
What is shared?
All data unless specific items are marked as private.
How is the data shared?
Access is restricted to NHS Smartcard holders in Hospitals, Out of Hours Services, Community Health and GPs.
How is consent given?
Initial implied consent with explicit consent for a share in and out at each organisation.
How do I get more information?
For further detailed information on how the record sharing works in our system please read the TPP patient leaflet.
We are in the process of asking your sharing preferences regarding your full detailed electronic record. We are telling you about this, as you have a choice to make. You can choose to share or not to share your full electronic record with other NHS care services where you are treated and whether we can view records held by those other services.
If you choose to make your record shareable, your clinical details will only be viewable by clinical teams who are treating you.
Each clinical team which cares for you now or in the future will ask your permission to view your shared record. You can also ask for part of your record to be made private – not shareable. All record accesses are recorded and auditable. If you choose not to make your records shareable, we will respect your wishes and will do our best to make your care safe and efficient. However, denying the clinical teams caring for you the ability to access important clinical details could compromise your care.
You Have Two Choices:
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- Sharing Out – This controls whether your full electronic patient record can be shared with other NHS care services where you are treated.
Let us know if your records should be Shareable or Not Shareable.
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- Sharing In – This controls whether you agree for this service to view the information you’ve agreed to share at other NHS care services.
Let us know if we can view your shared record from elsewhere or if you do not want it to be viewable to us.
In the event of an emergency: In certain circumstances, such as if you are unconscious or there is a court order, healthcare staff may look at your record without asking you. If they have to do this, a note will be made on your record. If we share information without your permission, we will make sure that we keep to the Data Protection Act 1998, the NHS confidentiality code of practice and other national guidelines on best practice.
Freedom of information
The freedom of information act is an Act of Parliament of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that creates a public “right of access” to information held by public authorities
This is a guide to the General Practitioners Publication Scheme as required by the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
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- Introduction
- How much does it cost?
- How is the information made available?
- Your rights to information
- Feedback
- Classes Of Information
- Who We Are
- Our Services
- Financial information
- Regular publications and information for the public
- Complaints
- Our policies and procedures
- This Publication Scheme
- Cost of Information
- Useful Resources
- Copyright
Introduction
This Publication Scheme is a complete guide to the information routinely made available to the public by [Your practice]. It is a description of the information about our Doctors and the Practice, which we make publicly available. It will be reviewed at regular intervals and we will monitor its effectiveness.
How much does it cost?
The publications are all free unless otherwise indicated within each Class. (Where information is provided at a cost the charges are as below).
How is the information made available?
The information within each Class is currently available via this website, in our information folder in reception and can be requested in hard copy from reception (there will be a small charge for photocopies of documents).
Your rights to information
In addition to accessing the information identified in the Publication Scheme, you are entitled to request information about the practice and the partners under the NHS Openness Code 1995.
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 the decisions are made.
From January 1st, 2005, General Practitioners have been obliged to respond to requests about information that they hold, that is recorded in any format. These rights are subject to some exemptions, which have to be taken into consideration before deciding what information can be released.
Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you are also entitled to access your clinical records, or any other personal information held about you and you can contact the practice secretary to do this.
Feedback
If you have any comments about the operation of the Publication Scheme, or how we have dealt with your request for information from the Scheme, please write to:
The Practice Manager, Burton Croft Surgery, 2nd Floor, Headingley Medical Centre, 1 Shire Oak Street, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 2AF.
Classes Of Information
All information at Burton Croft Surgery is held, retained and destroyed in accordance with NHS guidelines. Our commitment to publish information excludes any information, which can be legitimately withheld under the exemptions set out in the NHS Openness Code or Freedom of Information Act 2000. Where individual Classes are subject to exemptions, the main reasons are for the protection of commercial interests and personal information under the Data Protection Act 1998. This applies to all Classes within the Publication Scheme. The information on this Scheme is grouped into the following broad categories:
Who We Are
Details of the practice, organisational structures and key personnel can be found in the practice profile in our patient information folder. The practice adheres to the National General Medical Services contract. The contract is with the NHS England.
The practice aims to follow National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and National Health Service guidelines. Copies of these can be found on the NICE website or the Department of Health website.
The NHS is a very large part of the public sector. It is possible to find out information about practices, Primary Care Trusts and other NHS services in your area by using the NHS website. A full list of local General Practices can also be found there.
The full names of the GPs are listed in the introduction to this scheme, the practice leaflet and practice profile. As can be seen from the profile we employ a practice manager, practice nurses and a full range of administrative staff.
Financial information
Funding details and charging policies:
- The practice receives money from NHS England according to its contract in exchange for providing services for patients.
- The practice also charges for certain services which are not provided within the NHS.
Regular publications and information for the public
Guidance and information leaflets
Complaints
If you wish to make a complaint about any aspect of our service you should first contact:
The Practice Manager [Your practice address] [Your practice phone number]
The complaints procedure can be found on this website, on the notice board in reception, and in the patient information folder.
Our policies and procedures
Policies and procedures for use within the practice include, but are not restricted to: data protection; prescribing and prescription; and health and safety.
This Publication Scheme
In this class, we will publish any changes we make to this Publication Scheme, the criteria on which our information management policies are made and a referral point for all enquiries regarding information management. We will also publish any proposed changes or additions to publications already available.
Cost of Information
We will charge you only for hard copies or the transfer of media onto external devices. Some information is available free, but for others, there may be a charge. The charges will vary according to how information is made available. Charges are as follows:
- Via the practice intranet – photocopying charges only.
- Leaflets – leaflets on services we offer to the public, health advice leaflets and information regarding complaints/suggestions and Access to data are available free of charge from reception and can be viewed in our patient information folders.
- “Glossy” or other bound paper copies, CD Rom, video or other mediums, are not currently available from the practice.
The charges will be reviewed regularly.
Useful Resources
Websites
Information Commissioner website.
Publications
Freedom Of Information Act 2000.
Copyright
Material available through this Publication Scheme is subject to the copyright of this General Practice unless otherwise indicated. Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, it may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium provided it is done so accurately in a manner which will not mislead. Where items are re-published or copied to others, you must identify the source and acknowledge copyright status. This permit does not extend to third party material, accessed through the scheme. See HMSO Guidance Notes.
GP Connect
GP Connect is a service that allows information and the GP Patient Record to be viewed and shared between IT systems. This means authorised clinical staff from different healthcare settings can share and view clinical information held by a GP Practice.
The sharing of records is only for the purpose of direct care, where the patient is being treated or consulted in a setting away from their regular GP. GP Connect respects patient consent choices and will not share their data if the patient has asked their GP not to.
If patients do not wish their information to be shared using GP Connect, they can opt out by contacting Burton Croft Surgery.
For more information on this please visit: Home – National Data Sharing Portal for GP Connect
GP earnings
The average pay for GPs working at the surgery in the last financial year before tax and National Insurance was £43,210.This is for 8 part time GPs and 1 locum GP who worked in the practice for more than 6 months.
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
(Information correct as of 19/3/2024)
How you have rated us
See how we have been rated in assessments of our services provided by patients and statutory bodies.
You can find out how we have been rated:
Named accountable GP
Every patient at the practice is allocated a named, accountable GP. This ensures you have a ‘usual’ GP as a point of contact and to assist with continuity of care. You should always try and see your usual GP, especially for ongoing problems, however we understand this is not always possible which is why there are no restrictions on seeing other doctors.
It is possible to change your named GP at any time, please contact reception who will be happy to help.
Patient charter
A summary of our commitment to patients and what we expect from you
Rights
- All patients registered at the practice have a named, accountable GP responsible for their overall care, but any patient can see any doctor or nurse they choose.
- Patients have the right to say if they would prefer to see a particular doctor or nurse and we will try to arrange this (as long as they are available). We understand that ‘continuity of care’ is important. Seeing the same nurse or doctor for a particular condition can make it easier to get the right diagnosis and plan your treatment/management better.
- Registered patients are invited to have a health check from time to time. We hope you will take up this service.
- We also offer all patients over 40 an NHS Health Check every 5 years. Please contact reception to discuss this.
- Patients have the right to see their own health records, subject to the terms of the Data Protection Act.
Responsibilities
- Please arrive on time for your appointment. That way clinics are more likely to run on time.
- Please inform the practice if you can’t make an appointment or if the appointment is no longer necessary, so the slot can be offered to another patient.
- Please try and attend the surgery and do not make a request for a home visit unless absolutely necessary. Home visits are for housebound or seriously ill patients. In the time it takes to conduct 1 home visit we can typically see at least 4 patients at the surgery.
- Please make requests for repeat prescriptions in good time. We suggest at least 72 hours before you need more medication.
- Please co-operate with all practice staff and treat them courteously. They are trying to help you.
Research
Burton Croft Surgery is actively contributing to medical research, which we believe plays an important role in improving the medicine we practice.
Overview
As well being committed to improving the care our own patients receive, we also believe in helping the progress of medicine in general. We have joined the National Institute for Health Research as a ‘research ready practice’ and have been approved by the Royal College of General Practitioners.
By being part of this network, we hope to help develop medical research within primary care. This can mean supporting research studies and clinical trials, collecting data and working in partnership with other practices and NHS organisations.
We have participated in several studies already such as the management of pain from cancer, hand osteoarthritis and helicobacter eradication.
What does this mean for patients?
It simply means that occasionally we could ask you if you would be interested in participating in some research, in the same way you might be asked if you go to a local hospital. However, you do not have to take part if you do not want to.
As well being committed to improving the care our own patients receive, we also believe in helping the progress of medicine in general. We have joined the National Institute for Health Research as a ‘research ready practice’ and have been approved by the Royal College of General Practitioners.
Suggestions and complaints
Your Suggestions
We are always seeking to enhance our service and welcome suggestions for the improvement of the practice and the website. Suggestions can be sent to our Patient Participation Group.
Complaints
Everyone at Burton Croft Surgery endeavours to provide the best service and care possible. Unfortunately, we understand that there may be times when you feel this has not happened. If you have a complaint about the practice, please feel free to talk to one of the Doctors or our Practice Manager. You can do this in person, or by phoning the practice or by writing to the Practice Manager, Julie Gulliver, at:
Burton Croft Surgery, 2nd Floor, Headingley Medical Centre, 1 Shire Oak Street, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 2AF
Summary Care Record
The Summary Care Record is a national electronic record which contains information about your current medication and any allergies or adverse reactions that you may have.
Having this information stored in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency.
Who is my data shared with and why?
The National Care Record Service (NCRS) for sharing important summary clinical data nationwide for emergency direct care purposes. For example, if you were admitted to hospital in a different part of the country this record would enable the doctors to see vital information about your care.
What is shared?
Medication, Allergies, Drug reactions, optionally specific Read coded entries (called rich SCR).
How is the data shared?
Access is restricted to NHS Smartcard holders in Hospitals, Out of Hours Services and GPs.
How is consent given?
Implied consent with patient opt out via Read Code and requirement to explicitly opt in for Rich SCR.
How do I get more information?
You can also visit the NHS Care Records website or download the NHS Care Record Guarantee.
Training
Information about when we close for training and about the surgery being a training practice.
Staff Training
Please be aware that we will be closed for staff training on the dates below. During this time the NHS 111 will cover the surgery if you require urgent medical assistance.
- Thursday 14th March 2024
- Thursday 2nd May 2024
- Thursday 23rd May 2024
- Thursday 27th June 2024
- Thursday 18th July 2024
- Thursday 26th September 2024
- Thursday 17th October 2024
- Thursday 28th November 2024
Training Practice
The practice is committed to the further training of health professionals. These include medical students, nurses and GP trainees. Staff receiving training are fully supervised but if you prefer not to receive care from someone in training, please say and we will honour your preference.
Your medical record
How we collect information about you and how that information may be used
Overview
All the health care professionals that look after you maintain records about your health and any treatment or care that you have previously received. This includes hospitals, GP surgeries, walk-in clinics etc.
NHS health records may be electronic, paper-base or a mixture of both and we will ensure that all your information is kept confidential and secure.
Information which this GP Practice holds about you may include:
- Details about you, such as your address, carer, legal representative, emergency contacts
- Any contact the surgery has had with you in the past, such as appointments, clinic visits, emergency appointments, etc.
- Notes and reports about your health
- Details about your treatment and care
- Results of investigations such as laboratory tests, x-rays etc
- Relevant information from other health professionals, relatives or those who care for you
Your records are used to ensure you receive the best possible care. Information held about you may also be used to help protect the health of the public and for a clinical audit to monitor the quality of the service provided.
Some of this information will be held centrally and used for statistical purposes. Where we do this, we take strict measures to make sure that individual patients cannot be identified. Occasionally your information may also be requested for research purposes. The practice will always ask for your consent before agreeing to do this.
Identifying patients’ health risks
Risk identification tools are increasingly being used in the NHS to help understand a patient’s risk of suffering from a particular condition in the future. As once we know this we can offer preventative intervention.
Information about you is collected from a number of sources including NHS Trusts and from this GP Practice. A risk score is then arrived at through an analysis of your de-identified information using software managed by NHS England. Risk stratification enables your GP to focus on preventing ill health and offer you additional services to help you not to become ill in the future. Please note that you have the right to opt-out of your data being used in this way.
Medicines Management
The Practice may carry out reviews of the medications prescribed to its patients to ensure that all patients are receiving the most appropriate, up to date and cost-effective treatments.
How Do We Maintain The Confidentiality Of Your Records?
We are committed to protecting your privacy and will only use information collected lawfully in accordance with:
- Data Protection Act 1998
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Common Law Duty of Confidentiality
- Health and Social Care Act 2012
- NHS Codes of Confidentiality, Information Security and Records Management
- Information: To Share or Not to Share Review
Every member of staff who works for an NHS organisation has a legal obligation to keep information about you confidential.
We will only ever use or pass on information about you if others, involved in your care, have a genuine need for it. We will not disclose your information to any third party without your permission unless there are exceptional circumstances (i.e. life or death situations), where the law requires information to be passed on and/or in accordance with the new information sharing principle following Dame Fiona Caldicott’s information sharing review where “The duty to share information can be as important as the duty to protect patient confidentiality.” This means that health and social care professionals should have the confidence to share information in the best interests of their patients within the framework set out by the Caldicott principles. They should be supported by the policies of their employers, regulators and professional bodies.
Who Are Our Partner Organisations?
We may also have to share your information, subject to strict agreements on how it will be used, with the following organisations:
- NHS Trusts/Foundation Trusts
- GPs
- NHS Commissioning Support Units
- Independent contractors such as dentists, opticians, pharmacists
- Private sector providers
- Voluntary sector providers
- Ambulance Trusts
- Clinical Commissioning Groups
- Social Care Services
- Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC)
- Local Authorities
- Education Services
- Fire and Rescue Services
- Police & Judicial Services
- Other ‘data processors’ which you will be informed of
You will be informed who your data will be shared with and in some cases asked for explicit consent for this to happen.
We may also use external companies to process personal information, such as for archiving purposes. These companies are bound by contractual agreements to ensure information is kept confidential and secure.
Access To Personal Information
You have a right, under the Data Protection Act 1998, to request access to view or to obtain copies of what information the surgery holds about you and to have it amended should it be inaccurate. In order to request this, you need to do the following:
- Your request must be made in writing to the GP – for information from the hospital you should write direct to them
- There may be a charge to receive a printed copy of the information
- We are required to respond to you within 40 days
- You will need to give adequate information (for example full name, address, date of birth, NHS number and details of your request) so that your identity can be verified and your records located
Objections/Complaints
Should you have any concerns about how your information is managed, please contact our Practice Manager at Burton Croft Surgery, 2nd Floor, Headingley Medical Centre, 1 Shire Oak Street, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 2AF.
If you do not feel comfortable or believe it is inappropriate to raise your complaint directly with Burton Croft Surgery, you must now contact the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) instead of NHS England. Please contact them by:
Email: wyicb.complaints@nhs.net
Telephone: 01924 552 150*
In writing: Complaints Team, West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, White Rose House West Parade, Wakefield WF1 1LT
*Monday to Friday 9 to 5 p.m. excluding bank holidays.
If you are still unhappy, following a review by the Practice you can complain to the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) via their website, email: casework@ico.org.uk, Tel: 0303 123 1113 (local rate).
Cookies
We do not use cookies on this website.
Change of Details
It is important that you tell the person treating you if any of your details, such as your name or address, have changed or if any of your details such as date of birth is incorrect so that we can amend this. You have a responsibility to inform us of any changes so our records are accurate and up to date for you.
Notification
The Data Protection Act 1998 requires organisations to register the purposes for which they process personal and sensitive information. This information is publicly available on the Information Commissioner’s website. The practice is registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).
Who is the Data Controller?
The Data Controller, responsible for keeping your information secure and confidential is Dr C. Gibson (on behalf of Burton Croft Surgery)
Zero Tolerance Policy
A zero-tolerance policy towards violent, threatening, and abusive behaviour is now in place throughout the NHS.
A zero-tolerance policy towards violent, threatening, and abusive behaviour is now in place throughout the NHS. The doctors, nurses and staff in this practice have the right to do their work in an environment free from violent, threatening, or abusive behaviour and everything will be done to protect that right.
At no time will any such behaviour be tolerated in this practice. If you do not respect the rights of our staff and patients, we may choose to inform the police and you may be removed from our medical list.
Abuse will not be tolerated, and you will receive a letter from the practice regarding your behaviour and our zero-tolerance policy. If this continues to happen, you may be removed from the practice.