We need to hold personal information about you on our computer system and in paper records to help us to look after your health needs, and your doctor is responsible for their accuracy and safe-keeping. Please help to keep your record up to date by informing us of any changes to your circumstances.

Doctors and staff in the practice have access to your medical records to enable them to do their jobs. From time to time information may be shared with others involved in your care if it is necessary. Anyone with access to your record is properly trained in confidentiality issues and is governed by both a legal and contractual duty to keep your details private.

All information about you is held securely and appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent accidental loss.

In some circumstances we may be required by law to release your details to statutory or other official bodies, for example if a court order is presented, or in the case of public health issues. In other circumstances you may be required to give written consent before information is released – such as for medical reports for insurance, solicitors etc. It is important to remember that this authorises us to disclose the whole of your medical records.

To ensure your privacy, we will not disclose information over the telephone or fax unless we are sure that we are talking to you. Information will not be disclosed to family, friends, or spouses unless we have prior written consent, and we do not leave messages with others.

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

Environmental Policy Statement

Dawlish Medical Group will conduct all aspects of its business with due regard to the environment and its habitats.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Premises will include design and / or improvement for maximum energy efficiency

·All new and replacement equipment, including heating, cooling, or other energy-use items will be co-selected on the basis of low energy use and environmental impact

Travel by staff and / or partners will be on the basis of shared transport wherever practicable

Environmental considerations will be taken into account in every major business decision

Gardeners and other external contractors will be required to use bio-degradable chemicals only. All garden waste will be re-cycled into a “Green” scheme

Rooms not in use will be “powered down” and closed off for the inactive period

The use of electrical time clocks will be reviewed on a quarterly seasonal basis to ensure that the maximum efficiency / benefit is being obtained from power usage within the forthcoming quarter

Water will be on a metered supply. Automatic toilet flush systems will not be used, and low-volume cisterns will be installed

The practice will re-cycle toner cartridges via a charity collection scheme

All paper and cardboard will be delivered to the local re-cycling bank

All aluminium waste will be segregated and recycled

Timber, if used, will be from renewable sources

Envelopes or other paper supplies will be purchased as re-cycled paper where practicable. Packaging materials or boxes will be opened in a way which will facilitate re-use

The use of hazardous or other non-degradable chemicals or cleaning supplies will be avoided where there is a suitable alternative

 Where possible, communication and routine elements of the business will take place electronically to avoid paper use. Printing will be kept to a minimum

All heating and electrical equipment will be serviced annually where appropriate

Time clocks, controls and thermostats for the heating system and the air conditioning/cooling system will be monitored and adjusted to optimise energy use. Heating and cooling systems will be turned down/off at weekends and bank holidays

All waste classified as hazardous will be clearly identified, segregated, and disposed of by an approved and certified contractor who will provide a consignment note

All clinical waste will be segregated and treated as hazardous (Appendix A)

APPENDIX A

CLINICAL WASTE.

Clinical waste will be regarded as:

Human or animal tissue

Blood or bodily fluids

Excretions

Drugs or pharmaceutical products

Sharps

Dressings

Swabs

Sanitary towels, nappies or similar waste

Pathology samples

Used personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, gowns etc)

Used paper products from treatment or other patient rooms, including paper towels used for hand drying.

Or any other waste which may carry the risk of passing on an infection to others.

The definition of clinical waste also includes items or waste produced by practice clinical staff in a patient’s own home. It is the staff member’s responsibility to arrange disposal of these items as hazardous waste. If items are non-hazardous it is acceptable to dispose of these items in household waste if they are sealed in a suitable bag or container.