Patients are registered with the Practice rather than an individual doctor, but

wherever possible we try to accommodate patients’ requests to see the doctor

of their choice. For continuity of care, it is advisable to see the same doctor for

an ongoing medical problem. We would ask that patients attend for their

appointments on time, and that if they are unable to attend they let us know in

good time so that the appointment can be offered to another patient. Patients

have a right to access their medical records and should ask the receptionists for

the necessary form to apply for this.

All the records we hold about you are confidential and are not released to

anyone without your express permission. Exceptions to this are anonymised

information for audit purposes and verification with the Health Authority, and

other health professionals directly involved in your care. Our staff training

includes confidentiality protocols and we take this issue very seriously. The

Practice has a policy that any teenager obtaining care from their GP is offered

the same duty of care and confidentiality as an adult. The Practice abides by

the Fraser guidelines in the care of teenagers. Receptionists will only give

information to a third party about teenagers after reference to their GP.

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 obliges the Practice to produce a guide to

the classes of information the Practice intends to make available routinely. If

you wish to see a copy, please ask at Reception.

The Practice will not tolerate physical or verbal aggression. Patients whose

behaviour is unacceptable will be removed from the list and required to access

health care through the PCT.

All of us at the Downland Practice aim to provide the best possible service at all

times. Should you have any problems or complaints about the service, we hope

that these could be resolved by informal discussion with the person concerned.

However, if you feel unable to deal with the matter in this way, the Practice

offers a more formal complaints procedure. Further information and a leaflet

explaining the procedure is available on request from the Practice Manager or

from the front desk.

We are keen that those who use our services are able to air their views, or new

ideas. We have a Patient Representation Group with representatives from

Parish Councils within the Practice area. We publish a regular Newsletter ("Update") and

would welcome contributions from our patients. If interested please contact any

member of staff.

Our Practice participates in the advanced training of doctors who wish to

become general practitioners. Qualified doctors who have already completed at

least three years work in hospital medicine join us to complete their training.They are known as registrars.

They take part in all aspects of medical care, and we hope you will accept their

services as an extension of our own. On occasions there will be a video

recording of patients’ consultations. These will not be made without the

patient’s consent and physical examinations will not be recorded.

Hospital Doctors

We are now participating in the training of young Hospital Doctors, currently known as F2s (Foundation Year 2). They have completed the first postgraduation year as housemen in hospital and are gaining experience in general practice before embarking on full general practice or specialist training. This can only be good for future specialists!! They usually spend 4 months with us and are often amazed at the amount of work that is done outside hospitals. 

We participate in training of medical students from Oxford. The students

observe our clinical team in action, but do not see patients unless under

supervision from one of the GPs.

This Practice has the use of the Downland Volunteer Group Handybus in the

mornings for patients who have no transport of their own. If you need to use

this service, please ask for details when you make your appointment. (A seat on

the bus must be booked in advance – the driver cannot collect anyone who has

not made an appointment.) A nominal fare is charged for adults to allow the

continuation of this service.