Other Information

Patients With Particular Needs
At Northfield Medical Centre reserved parking spaces for the disabled are marked near the front door and there is wheelchair access to the building at the front entrance. Patient services are provided at ground floor level and a disabled patients' WC is provided near the front entrance. If access proves difficult to any of our patients we would be happy to consider any suggestions for improvement.

Specialist & Hospital Care
If a GP or another member of our health care team believes you need hospital treatments or specialist care elsewhere, they will ask you where and when you would like to go. The secretary will contact you and then book your appointment electronically, where this service is available.
If you would prefer to have some time to think before deciding where and when to have treatment, you will be offered the option of calling the practice later and we will be able to book your appointment then.

It is important to note that not all services are covered under the NHS Services eg completing of insurance reports, claims, statement of fact for outside agencies etc - if you are asking the doctors at the practice to complete forms then there may be a charge for this service - a list of the changes are available at reception. When you bring the forms into the practice you will be contacted by a member of the team giving details of the charge for the service and you will need to pay for this before the work is completed. We do endeavour to complete the paperwork and have it back to you in no more than five working days after receipt of the payment.

Non-NHS Services
It is important to note that not all services are covered under the NHS Services eg completing insurance reports, claims, statments of fact for ourside agencies etc - if you are asking the doctors at the practice to complete forms then there may be a charge for this service - a list of charges are available at reception. When you bring the forms into the practice you will be contacted by a member of the team giving details of the charge for the service and you will need to pay for this before the work is completed. We do endeavour to complete the papaerwork and have it back t you in no more than five working days after receipt of the payment.

Chaperones
Tell us if you want someone to accompany you during an examination or you would like a private room to discuss any matters. Remember that the results of tests can only be given to the patient.

NHS Direct
NHS Direct provides health information by telephone on 0845 46 47 and via the website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Local Pharmacist
Your local pharmacist will be able to give you free health advice and you do not need an appointment. Many pharmacies operate extended hours on a rota basic. For details call NHS Direct (see above).

Access to Health Records
You have the right to access your own health records.
You may receive care from other people as well as the NHS - so that we can all work together for your benefit we may need to share some of the information about you if people have a genuine need for it and it is in your and everyone's interrest - whenever we can shall remove details that identify you.

Data Protection
The practice complies with the Data Protection Act 1988 and the Access to Medical Records Act 1988. You have the right to access your own health records. You may receive care from other people as well as the NHS - so that we can all work together for your benefit we may need to share some informaton about you. We only ever use or pass on information about you if people have a genuine need for it and it is in your and everyone's interest - whenever we can we shall remove details that identify you. Anyone who recieves information from us is under a legal duty to keep it confidential.

Your Local PCT
The area served by Northfield Medical Centre is in the district covered by Leicestershire County and Rutland PCT. The PCT is responsible for ensuring you can access all the services you need. For details of all primary care services in the area, browse your PCT Guide to Primary Care Services at www.lcrpct.nhs.uk or get the information you need at www.nhs.uk

Leicestershire County and Rutland Primary Care Trust
Lakeside House
4 Smithy Way
Grove Park
Leicester
LE19 1SS
Tel: 0116 295 7500
www.lcrpct.nhs.uk

Practice Surveys
You may be asked to complete a survay about the practice. This is sent out by the Department of Health and asks questions about your visits to the practice, appointments, telephone etc. We ask that you complete and return it. The results of these survays can be significanly impact on the practice as they do affect the funding we receive.