General Information
REGISTRATIONS
Enquiries regarding registering at the practice should be directed to the Reception Manager, or a member of the Reception team. They will be able to clarify whether or not the practice list is open or closed. If the list is open, you will be advised on the registration process. It will assist this process if you bring with you your Medical Card and basic information regarding yourself and members of your family, if appropriate. Information that is helpful to us includes details of your last GP, your current medication if any, whether you are presently undergoing hospital treatment and your immunisation details.
CHOICE OF DOCTOR
When you are accepted as a patient on the practice list you will be registered with the practice. However, you may request to see any doctor at Sleaford Medical Group that you wish. We do recommend, that once you have chosen a doctor you should try, wherever possible, to remain with that doctor for your future care. This provides continuity in your health care which benefits both yourself and your chosen doctor.
RESULTS
Please try to avoid telephoning or calling in for routine test results in the mornings. Please call after 3.00pm and, if phoning please select the option for Results.
SICKNESS CERTIFICATES
You do not require a doctor’s certificate for any illness lasting 7 days or less. Your employer may, however, require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer. For illnesses lasting longer than 7 days you will require a doctor’s certificate.
DISABLED FACILITIES
There are 3 privileged car parking spaces allocated to disabled patients. A wheelchair is available in the foyer if needed. If you need assistance please ask a member of staff.
There is also a fully equipped disabled toilet located near the Treatment Room.
CAR PARKING
Please vacate the car park after your appointment so that other patients may use it. If required, additional car parking exists in Eastgate car park for a small fee. We ask for your consideration by not occupying the disabled parking spaces unless appropriate.
COMPLAINTS
We have a Practice Complaints Procedure. If you have cause to use this procedure, details are available on the surgery notice boards. Alternatively, please ask any member of staff for a copy of the procedure.
PATIENT CONDUCT
We operate a zero tolerance policy regarding violence or abuse towards doctors, nurses and members of staff. Patients who are violent or abusive may be removed from the list. Police action may also be taken in serious cases. Please treat our staff as you would like to be treated by them.
INSURANCE, DRIVING AND EMPLOYMENT MEDICALS
Please book well in advance because these examinations usually take longer than normal consultations.
Accessing your medical records.
Under the Data Protection Act 1998 you have a legal right to apply, in writing, for access to health information held about you. This includes your NHS or private health records held by a GP, optician or dentist, or by a hospital.
A health record contains information about your mental and physical health recorded by a healthcare professional as part of your care.
If you want to see your health records, and you make a written request, the GP will decide whether your request can be approved. They can refuse your request if, for example, they believe that releasing the information may cause serious harm to your physical or mental health or that of another person.
Under the Data Protection Act, requests for access to records should be met within 40 days. However, government guidance for healthcare organisations says they should aim to respond within 21 days.
You may have to pay a fee to access your health records so ask if there is a charge before you apply to see them. For more information, see What are the fees for accessing medical records (health records)?
To download an Access to Medical Records request form please click here. Once completed please send this form to the Surgery for the attention of Amy Mason, Assistant Practice Manager.
Can someone else access my health records?
Another person can access your health records but only if you authorise them to do so.
NHS LINCOLNSHIRE
Information regarding local primary care medical services may be obtained from:
NHS Lincolnshire
Cross O’cliff
Bracebridge Heath
LINCOLN
LN2 5HN
Tel: 01522 513355