In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Access to Health Records Act, patients may request to see their medical records. Such requests should be made through the practice manager and may be subject to an administration charge. No information will be released without the patient consent unless we are legally obliged to do so.

We make every effort to give the best service possible to everyone who attends our practice.

However, we are aware that things can go wrong resulting in a patient feeling that they have a genuine cause for complaint. If this is so, we would wish for the matter to be settled as quickly, and as amicably, as possible.

To pursue a complaint please contact the practice manager who will deal with your concerns appropriately. Further written information is available here: Complaints Leaflet

The NHS operate a zero tolerance policy with regard to violence and abuse and the practice has the right to remove violent patients from the list with immediate effect in order to safeguard practice staff, patients and other persons. Violence in this context includes actual or threatened physical violence or verbal abuse which leads to fear for a person’s safety. In this situation we will notify the patient in writing of their removal from the list and record in the patient’s medical records the fact of the removal and the circumstances leading to it.

The practice complies with data protection and access to medical records legislation. Identifiable information about you will be shared with others in the following circumstances:

• To provide further medical treatment for you e.g. from district nurses and hospital services.
• To help you get other services e.g. from the social work department. This requires your consent.
• When we have a duty to others e.g. in child protection cases anonymised patient information will also be used at local and national level to help the Health Board and Government plan services e.g. for diabetic care.

If you do not wish anonymous information about you to be used in such a way, please let us know.

Reception and administration staff require access to your medical records in order to do their jobs. These members of staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the medical staff.

Information about the General Practioners and the practice required for disclosure under this act can be made available to the public. All requests for such information should be made to the practice manager.

We are a recognised GP Training Practice. Dr Aneja, Dr Phen, Dr Parkinson and Dr Jegorov are approved trainers. They are responsible for overseeing the final stage of training that completes the GP Registrar’s training.

The doctors in training who come to the practice are fully qualified with at least three years hospital experience. This means that the standards of medical practice within the surgery are maintained at a high level with regular assessments of the trainees and the Practice by the Eastern of England Deanery.

Training offers significant benefits to the doctors, staff and patients of the surgery. For the doctors and staff there is the regular influx of young doctors with fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm for medicine. For the patients the presence of additional doctors who are completing their GP training offers easier access to appointments.

An essential component of training in all medical practice is the use of video and joint consultations. We hope that all our patients will be willing to take part in these educational surgeries to help us all in improving and maintaining our medical and consultation skills. All video recordings are strictly confidential and are used for teaching only.

Old Harlow Health Centre is part of My Care Record, an approach to improving care by joining up health and care information. Wherever possible, health and care professionals will be able to access your records from other services when it is needed for your care. For example, a hospital doctor, community nurse, or social worker involved in your care could view the information they need from your GP record. More information, including answers to frequently asked questions and a list of the organisations that are taking part can be found on the My Care Record website www.mycarerecord.org.uk.

Please click here to view.

Please click here to view.

The aims of the practice are to ensure that we:

• Stop abuse
• Prevent harm and reduce the risk of abuse
• Safeguard adults in a way that supports them to have choice and control
• Promotes an approach that improves the lives of the adults concerned
• Raise public awareness so that communities play their part in preventing abuse
• Provide information and support in accessible ways
• Address the cause of the abuse or neglect

All of our staff have had a DBS (Criminal Records) check and receive the relevant Safeguarding Training. Other websites which may be of interest:

NSPCC Safeguarding children and child protection

AgeUK Safeguarding older people from abuse and neglect

There is a new Central NHS Computer System called the Summary Care Record (SCR). It is an electronic record which contains information about the medicines you take, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had.

Why do I need a Summary Care Record?

Storing information in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed.

This information could make a difference to how a doctor decides to care for you, for example which medicines they choose to prescribe for you.

Who can see it?

Only healthcare staff involved in your care can see your Summary Care Record.

How do I know if I have one?

Over half of the population of England now have a Summary Care Record. You can find out whether Summary Care Records have come to your area by looking at our interactive map or by asking your GP

Do I have to have one?

No, it is not compulsory. If you choose to opt out of the scheme, then you will need to complete a form and bring it along to the surgery. You can use the form at the foot of this page.

More Information

For further information visit the NHS Care records website