INTRODUCTION

The Practice is committed to providing a safe comfortable environment where patients and staff can be confident that best practice is being followed at all times and the safety of everyone is of paramount importance.

What is a Formal Chaperone: 

In clinical medicine, a formal chaperone is a person who serves as a witness for both a patient and a medical practitioner as a safeguard for both parties during a medical examination or procedure and is a witness to continuing consent of the procedure. Family members or friend may be present but they cannot act as a formal chaperone.

Why do we need Chaperones: 

There are two considerations involved in having a chaperone to assist during intimate examinations; namely for the comfort of the patient and the protection of the doctor/nurse from allegations of impropriety.

What is an intimate examination? 

Obvious examples of an intimate examination include examinations of the breasts, genitalia and the rectum but it also extends to any examination where it is necessary to touch or be close to the patient for example conducting eye examinations in dimmed lighting, taking the blood pressure or palpating the apex beat.

The rights of the Patient: 

All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure where they feel one is required. Patients have the right to decline the offer of a chaperone. However the clinician may feel that it would be wise to have a chaperone present for their mutual protection for example, an intimate examination on a young adult of the opposite gender.

If the patient still declines the doctor will need to decide whether or not they are happy to proceed in the absence of a chaperone. This will be a decision based on both clinical need and the requirement for protection against any potential allegations of improper conduct.

Appropriately Trained Chaperone: 

Appropriately trained Chaperone is defined as a member of the Practice clinical team.

Consultations involving intimate examinations: 

If an intimate examination is required, the clinician will:

• Establish there is a need for an intimate examination and discuss this with the patient.
• Give the patient the opportunity to ask questions.
•  Obtain and record the patient’s consent.
• Offer a chaperone to all patients for intimate examinations (or examinations which may be construed as such). If the patient does not want a chaperone it will be recorded in the notes.

The Patient can expect the chaperone to be: 

• Available if requested.
• Pleasant/approachable/professional in manner, able to put them at ease.
• Competent and safe.
• Clean and presentable.
• Confidential.

Where will the chaperone stand? 

The positioning of the chaperone will depend on several factors for example the nature of the examination and whether or not the chaperone has to help the clinician with the procedure. The clinician will explain to you what thechaperone will be doing and where they shall be in the room.

Should you have a concern about a chaperone.

Patients should raise any concerns/make any complaint via the practice’s usual comments/complaints procedure.

When a chaperone is not available: 

There may be occasions when a chaperone is unavailable (for example on a homevisit or when no trained chaperone of the appropriate sex is in the building). In such circumstances the doctor will assess the circumstances and decide if it is appropriate to go ahead without one.

The NHS has a duty to deliver on a number of health commitments in relation to the Armed Forces community (service personnel (regular and reserves), their families and veterans), which are set out in the Armed Forces Covenant and the NHS Constitution.

Out of hours support:

• Samaritans freephone 116 123 (24/7) or email – to access confidential emotional support for feelings of distress, despair or suicide thoughts.
• Togetherall– a safe online service providing access to millions with anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues. Free for serving personnel, veterans, family members and carers.
• Shout – a crisis text support service for people in the military community who are struggling and need immediate support to get through a crisis. Text CONTACT to 85258.
• Forces line telephone helpline: 0800 7314880 (Monday – Friday 10:30 – 19:30) or email. For serving personnel, former members of the Armed Forces and their families.
• NHS 111 – to access medical help fast but when it’s not a 999 emergency, telephone 111 (available 24 hours). To access information from the NHS on conditions, treatments, local services and healthy living following the link to NHS Choices.
• Veterans UK – to seek information on claiming AFCS, Armed Forces Independence Payment, Medical Discharges and Pension Forecast Requests.

The following policy sets out the Practice approach to the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act.

 Policy

• The Practice will comply with the FoI Act and sees it as an opportunity to enhance public trust and confidence in the Practice
• The Practice will maintain a comprehensive ‘Publication Scheme’ that provides information which is readily accessible without the need for a formal FoI Act request.
• The Practice will seek to satisfy all FoI Act requests promptly and within 20 working days. However, if necessary we will extend this timescale to give full consideration to a Public Interest test. If we do not expect to meet the deadline, we will inform the requester as soon as possible of the reasons for the delay and when we expect to have made a decision
• The Practice will continue to protect the personal data entrusted to us, by disclosing it only in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998
• The Practice will provide advice and assistance to requesters to facilitate their use of FoI Act. We will publish our procedures and assist requesters to clarify their requests so that they can obtain the information that they require.
• The Practice will work with the NHS Blackpool and other bodies with whom we work to ensure that we can meet our FoI Act obligations, including the disclosure of any information that they hold on our behalf.
• The Practice will apply the exemptions provided in the FoI Act and, where qualified exemptions exist, the Practice will disclose the information unless the balance of public interest lies in withholding it.
• The Practice will consult with third parties before disclosing information that could affect their rights and interests. However, according to the FoI Act, the Practice must take the final decision on disclosure
• The Practice will charge for information requests in line with the FoI Act Fees Regulations or other applicable regulations, including the Data Protection Act 1998
• The Practice will record all FoI Act requests and our responses and will monitor our performance in handling requests and complaints
• The Practice will ensure that all staff are aware of their obligations under FoI Act and will include FoI Act education in the induction of all new staff

Guide to Information provided by GPs under the model publication scheme

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 all public authorities are required to have and operate a publication scheme approved by the Information Commissioner. Doctors providing medical services under most contracts with the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are public authorities in respect of information relating to those services.

It is the intention of the Information Commissioner that all public authorities should adopt and operate the one model scheme that has been approved. This is a very general scheme based on the principal that all public authorities need to recognize the public interest in the transparency of the services provided for and paid for by the general public. It is a commitment to make information easily available to the public.

Note: The scheme is only for information held as a public authority and does not include any information that is not held, is held for other purposes or would be exempt from release.

The scheme requires three documents to be considered:

• the model scheme itself;
• our guidance on adopting and operating the scheme; and,
• a guide provided by the public authority indicating what information will be provided, how it will be provided and whether any charge will be made for its provision.

To assist medical practitioners who are public authorities we have produced the outline of a guide for their use. They should consider expanding elements of it to provide greater explanation and additional information where this can be done. For example if there are specific plans for the provision of NHS services these could be detailed. It is not necessary to submit the guide completed by the practice for approval.

We recognize that it is unlikely that GPs are going to have registers available for public inspection and while this remains the case “None Held” can be entered in this section. Under policies and procedures we have listed the policies we would expect practices to have. Again if this is not the case, “Not held” can entered in the relevant part. Any additional policies should also be listed.

Fees should be requested only where this is done in accordance our guidance.

Information available from Marton Medical Practice (providing medical services under contract to the NHS) under the Freedom of Information Act model publication scheme

Information covered by this scheme is only about the primary, general or personal medical services we provide under contract to the National Health Service.

We respect your right to privacy and keep all your health information confidential and secure. It is important that the NHS keeps accurate and up-to-date records about your health and treatment so that those treating you can give you the best possible advice and care. This information is only available to those involved in your care and you should never be asked for personal medical information by anyone not involved in your care.

From 25th May 2018 the law changed with the addition of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This regulation has an impact on how we handle your data. Further information can be found on www.eugdpr.org.uk

Please see our Privacy notices for more detailed information:

More information can be found directly from the NHS Digital website

Transparency Statement

How the NHS and care services use your information

Marton Medical Practice is one of many organisations working in the health and care system to improve care for patients and the public

Whenever you use a health or care service, such as attending Accident & Emergency or using Community Care services, important information about you is collected in a patient record for that service. Collecting this information helps to ensure you get the best possible care and treatment.

The information collected about you when you use these services can also be used and provided to other organisations for purposes beyond your individual care, for instance to help with:

• improving the quality and standards of care provided
• research into the development of new treatments
• preventing illness and diseases
• monitoring safety
• planning services

This may only take place when there is a clear legal basis to use this information. All these uses help to provide better health and care for you, your family and future generations. Confidential patient information about your health and care is only used like this where allowed by law.

Most of the time, anonymised data is used for research and planning so that you cannot be identified in which case your confidential patient information isn’t needed.

You have a choice about whether you want your confidential patient information to be used in this way. If you are happy with this use of information you do not need to do anything. If you do choose to opt out your confidential patient information will still be used to support your individual care.

To find out more or to register your choice to opt out, please visit www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters.  On this web page you will:

• See what is meant by confidential patient information
• Find examples of when confidential patient information is used for individual care and examples of when it is used for purposes beyond individual care
• Find out more about the benefits of sharing data
• Understand more about who uses the data
• Find out how your data is protected
• Be able to access the system to view, set or change your opt-out setting
• Find the contact telephone number if you want to know any more or to set/change your opt-out by phone
• See the situations where the opt-out will not apply

You can also find out more about how patient information is used at:

https://www.hra.nhs.uk/information-about-patients/ (which covers health and care research); and

https://understandingpatientdata.org.uk/what-you-need-know (which covers how and why patient information is used, the safeguards and how decisions are made)

You can change your mind about your choice at any time.

Data being used or shared for purposes beyond individual care does not include your data being shared with insurance companies or used for marketing purposes and data would only be used in this way with your specific agreement.

Health and care organisations have until 2020 to put systems and processes in place so they can be compliant with the national data opt-out and apply your choice to any confidential patient information they use or share for purposes beyond your individual care. Our organisation is currently compliant with the national data opt-out policy.

The national data opt-out enables patients to set or update their choice regarding how their confidential patient information is used for purposes of planning and research, except for certain circumstances. The opt-out choice is set directly by the patient, either online or via a supported national telephone service without the involvement of the General Practice. https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/

0300 303 5678

When setting a national data opt-out the patient will be asked the following question: Your confidential patient information can be used for improving health, care and services, including:

• planning to improve health and care services
• research to find a cure for serious illnesses

Once the person has set a preference it will apply across all health and care settings by 2020. Patients can change their mind at any time and change their setting.

Make your choice

Choose if data from your health records is shared for research and planning Use this service to: Choose if your confidential patient information is used for research and planning Change or check your current choice Your choice will be applied by: NHS Digital and Public Health England all other health and care organisations by March 2020 Any choice you make will not impact your individual care. https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/manage-your-choice/

PATIENT INFORMATION IS HELD IN  STRICT CONFIDENCE BY THE PRACTICE.

This is shared with other health professionals as and when they need access to your records in connection with your health care. No information is disclosed to anyone else without specific, written consent from the patient.

You have a right to see your medical records if you wish. Please ask at reception if you would like further details. An appointment may be required and in some circumstances a fee may be payable

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.

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.

The Accessible Information Standard applies to people who use a service and have information or communication needs because of a:

• disability
• impairment
• sensory loss

It covers the needs of people who are deaf/Deaf, blind, or deafblind, or who have a learning disability. This includes interpretation or translation for people whose first language is British Sign Language. It does not cover these needs for other languages.

It can be used to support people who have Aphasia, which is a language and communication disorder which can affect a person’s ability to understand speech, speak, read, write and use numbers.

It can also be used to support people who have Autism or a mental health condition which affects their ability to communicate.

We want to identify your specific needs in the way we communicate with you. With your consent:

We will record your specific communication needs and flag these on your medical record to make it possible for all staff to quickly and easily be aware of (and work to meet) those needs.

Sometimes we may need to share details of your information and communication needs with other health and social care services. This means that other services can also respond to your information and communication needs.

If you would like support in the way we communicate with you please download our questionnaire and bring it with you the next time you visit the Practice.

Accessible-Information-questionaire

All registered patients have been allocated a named GP who is responsible for patients overall care at the Practice.

From April 2015 the Government has extended the Named GP scheme to all patients. This is something that the practice already operates as each patient is registered with an individual doctor. This does not mean that you have to see that doctor or that you cannot see anyone else in the practice – as always you can ask to see any specific clinician if that is important to you and they are able to manage the issue in question. It does mean that there is an individual who takes an overview of the services being provided to patients registered with them to ensure that we are offering relevant and suitable care.

Having a named GP does not stop you from consulting with any of our doctors at the surgery, you can still request an appointment with a GP of your choice.

If you would like to know who your Named GP is you can find out in a number of ways:

• Ask the receptionist when you next contact us
• Ask any clinician within the practice when you next attend
• Contact the practice in any of the usual ways if you need to know and do not have a forthcoming visit (please do not make appointments just to ask this question)

If you would prefer to have a different Named GP than the one you are currently allocated we will do our best to accommodate this. Please ask a member of our reception team.