Rights and responsibilities of patients

The NHS Constitution sets out your rights as an NHS patient. These rights cover how patients access health services, the quality of care you receive, the treatments and programmes available, confidentiality, information and your right to complain if things go wrong.

Read and download the NHS Constitution.

Patient’s rights

We are committed to providing you with the best possible service. This will be achieved by working together.

• you will be treated with courtesy and respect

• all aspects of your visit will be dealt with in privacy and confidence

• you will be seen by a doctor of your choice, subject to availability

• in an emergency, out of normal opening hours, if you telephone the practice you will be given the number to receive help

• you can bring someone with you, however, you may be asked to be seen on your own during your consultation

• repeat prescriptions will normally be available for collection within two working days of your request

• you have the right to see your medical records or have a copy, subject to certain laws

Your responsibilities as a patient

• please treat practice staff and doctors with the same courtesy you would like to receive
• please keep appointments
• please try to arrive on time
• if you are unable to attend an appointment, please inform the practice in good time
• if you are given an appointment time or date which is unsuitable, please contact the practice to change it
• please ensure you order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time allowing 48 hours minimum
• please ensure your contact details are up to date