The team is committed to working for all patients, irrespective of race, gender, age, religion, disability or medical condition by providing good quality reactive health care. We are also committed to providing pro-active health care through health education and health promotion activities carried out in line with the Dorset and Somerset Health Strategy.

This means

• A courteous welcome at our front desk by a receptionist who will help you make the best use of our services.
• A consultation with any member of the team.
• You will receive appropriate care, given by suitably qualified professionals. No care or treatment will be given without your informed consent. Please ask us questions if you are unsure of anything.
• You are guaranteed confidentiality at all times. If you wish to speak to any member of the team privately, please ask.
• Advice and information on steps you can take to promote good health and avoid illness, without reference to a doctor in the case of minor ailments.

You are guaranteed

• A simple health check, if you are a new patient.
• A yearly health check, if you are 75 or over.
• A home visit if you are too ill or infirm to be brought to the surgery.
• Not to be kept waiting after an appointment time for more than 30 minutes without an explanation.
• That the results of any tests or X-rays ordered by the practice will given to you at the earliest opportunity, or you will be told how to obtain the results.
• That repeat prescriptions will normally be available within 48 hours of their request at reception or at the local pharmacist of your choice.
• That if you feel you need to speak to a doctor by phone, the receptionist will be able to arrange a convenient time.
• To be given a practice leaflet which explains our services more fully.
• The right to make suggestions or complaints about the care we offer. Please let the receptionist or the doctor know of any way we can help you, or leave a note in the suggestions box.

We will endeavour to ensure

• That the telephone is answered promptly.
• That you will be seen within 48 hours for a routine appointment or the same day for an urgent appointment, provided you do not specify a particular doctor.

In addition, you are entitled

• To know the names of those involved in your care and how to contact them.
• To have access to your written and computerised health records (within the limitations of the law) for which a charge may be made.
• If you are totally dissatisfied with us or the services we provide, you can leave our list and register with another practice.

In return, we ask you

• To keep your phone call brief.
• To arrive on time for your appointment.
• To tell us if you cannot keep your appointment or if your appointment is no longer necessary.
• Not to ask for a home visit unless you cannot get to the surgery.
• To let us know when you change your name or address.
• To treat all of our staff with courtesy and respect.
• To follow the medical advice we give you and to take any medication that is prescribed for you.

Finally

We reserve our right to remove from our list patients who are violent or seriously abusive towards any of our staff.