Since 1st January 2005 General Practice has had to respond to requests about information that it holds, is recorded in any format and it will create a right of access to that information.
These rights are subject to some exemptions which have to be taken into consideration before deciding what information it can release. Under the Data Protection Act 1998 patients at our surgery are entitled to access their clinical records or any other personal information held about them as long as this does not affect any third party. Just write to the Practice Manager.
Classes of Information
All information at our surgery is held, retained and destroyed in accordance with NHS guidelines. Our commitment to publish information excludes any information which can be legally withheld under the exemptions set out in the NHS Openess Code or Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Where individual classes are subject to exemptions, the main reasons are e.g. the protection of commercial interests and personal information under the Data Protection Act 1998 (this includes clinical information).
This applies to all Classes within the Publication Scheme. The information on this Scheme is grouped into the following categories.
Some information will be withheld, including Personal, confidential information about Individuals which is protected by the Data Protection Act 1998.
- Class 1: Who we are and what we do
Organisational information, structures, locations and contacts. - Class 2: What we spend and how we spend it
Financial information relating to projected & actual income & expenditure, procurement, contracts and financial audits. - Class 3: What our priorities are and how we are doing
Strategies & plans, performance indicators, audits, inspections & reviews. Quality & Outcomes Framework details are published in July of each year. - Class 4: How we make decisions
Decision making process & records of decisions made in the Practice affecting the provision of NHS services. - Class 5: Our policies and procedures
Current written protocols, policies & procedures for delivering our services & responsibilities. - Class 6: – Lists and Registers
- Class 7: The services we offer
Information about the services we offer, including leaflets, guidance & newsletters produced for the public.