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Telephone. 029 2070 2301

This practice supports the government's Zero Tolerance Campaign.

We always try to provide the best service possible but there may be times when you feel this has not happened. If you have any complaint about the service that you have received from the Doctors or staff working for this practice, then you are entitled to ask for an explanation. We operate an informal, in-house complaints procedure. This procedure does not deal with matters of legal responsibility or compensation.

In some cases the in-house procedure is not an appropriate form of investigation, in which case you will be referred to the appropriate authority.

How to complain

We hope that most problems can be sorted out easily and quickly, preferably at the time they arise and with the person concerned. If your problem cannot be sorted out in this way and you wish to make a complaint, please let us know as soon as possible as this will enable us to establish what happened more easily. 

The NHS time limits for when it is reasonable to expect complaints to be made are:

	
within 6 months of the date of the incident that caused the problem

or

	
within 6 months of the date of discovering the problem, provided that is within 12 months of the incident.

The practice can, however, decide to investigate a complaint when it is made a long time after the event where this seems practical and there is reasonable justification.

Your complaint should be addressed to the Practice Manager who will ensure that it is investigated thoroughly as soon as possible. We aim to report back to you within two weeks although, in some cases, more time may be required. 

This procedure does not affect your right to make a formal complaint to the Primary care Trust if you wish. Nor does it affect your right to seek compensation in law.

Compaining on behalf of someone else

We ensure strict adherence to the rule of medical confidentiality. If you are complaining on behalf of someone else, we will need to have their written permission for you to do so. Neither can we provide confidential information without the appropriate authority to do so.

Complaining to the local Health Board

If you would rather not complain direct to the practice or are dissatisfied with our response, you can write to the Local Health Board as follows:

Alternatively for more information the NHS Complaints leaflet can be downloaded here. 

Confidentiality and access to information

All patient-identifiable information will be kept in the strictest confidence and will not be given to unauthorized third parties.

All medical and administrative records are held on computer in accordance with the rules of the Data Protection Act. We hold no more information than is needed for medical care and this information is only used for that purpose.

Confidential medical information may be shared with authorized practice staff and other health agencies where this is necessary for your treatment or care. If we refer you for further care we may share some or all of this information. You are entitled to request to see copies of any letters we send out.

Patients have right of access to view their medical record. There is a fee of £50.00 for the provision of a copy of the record.

Violent or abusive behaviour

Violence and abuse is a growing concern. GPs and their staff have the right to care for others without fear of being attacked or abused. Any aggressive behaviour from patients will not be tolerated and such patients will be asked to leave the practice.