The Meads Medical Centre, Uckfield

PATIENTS' FEEDBACK - WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Carole Midgley, practice manager, or Sarah Leaver, our reception manager, welcome patients' feedback, both critical or complimentary, on our service. We have a practice suggestion form which you can complete so you can share any ideas for improving our service. Please ask for a form at reception or send us a letter with your comments.

SUGGESTIONS AND COMPLAINTS

The practice constantly strives to build on the service it provides for patients and would welcome any suggestions and ideas. A suggestion/idea can be handed in at reception. If you do have a complaint, please speak or write to Carole Midgley, our practice manager. A copy of the complaints procedure is available upon request.

ACCESS TO PATIENT RECORDS

Our practice confidentiality policy is strictly adhered to as laid down in the Data Protection Act. Patients have a right to access their medical records on application in writing to the practice manager according to procedures set down in the Act. Patients will be asked for written consent before their personal information is used in ways that do not directly contribute to, or support the delivery of, their medical care. Patients' decisions to restrict the disclosure of their personal information will be respected.

NON NHS WORK

Completion of some forms and certificates are services not covered by the NHS remit and will therefore incur a charge. The receptionists can advise you of our current charges.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION - PUBLICATION SCHEME

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 obliges the practice to produce a Publication Scheme. A Publication Scheme is a guide to the ‘classes’ of information the practice intends to routinely make available. This scheme is available from reception

VIOLENT AND ABUSIVE PATIENTS

We support the Government's NHS zero tolerance policy towards anyone who is physically or verbally abusive or threatening to either staff members or other patients at the practice. Offenders will be struck off the GPs' list and allocated to a special practice that deals with such patients.

PATIENT FORUM GROUP

The Meads has a Patient Forum Group that meets regularly to assess the practice's progress. The Forum Group provides constructive criticism and produces its own newsletter for patients. Should you wish to become a member of the Patient Forum Group please contact the reception manager Sarah Leaver.

HELP WITH HEALTH COSTS

For people who have to pay prescription charges and need regular medication, valuable savings can be made through the Prescription Pre-payment Certificate scheme (PPC). PPCs save money for anyone needing more than five prescription items in three months, or 14 items in a year. Current charges plus other information can be obtained by accessing the NHS Business Services Authority website at www.ppa.nhs.uk or asking at reception. Similarly, there are medical exemption certificates available for people with certain conditions, including epilepsy and diabetes (except where treatment is by diet alone), that provide an entitlement to free prescriptions and avoid the need to buy a PPC. There is also an NHS Low Income Scheme that provides a 'safety net' for people who don't automatically qualify for help with health costs, but who still find it difficult to pay. Anyone can apply using claim form HC1 or by speaking with an advisor on 0845 850 1166, as long as they don't have savings or capital of more than £16,000 (£21,000 for those permanently in a care home).