General Information


		Your Medical Records Your information and how we use it Comments Suggestions and Complaints Community Health Council The Friends of Henfield Medical Practice Transport Services not covered by the NHS



	You can view your health records or request a copy. You can expect to pay the following: £10 for a copy of fully computerised records. No more than £50 for a copy of records held manually. £10 to view records. It costs nothing to view records if they are held in manual form and have been added to in the 40 days prior to your request. Requests to view health records should be directed to the Practice Manager.





	We keep information about you to give you the best possible care. We keep your information on paper and on computer. We keep your information secure and you can ask to see a copy. By Law: Everyone working with the NHS and social services must keep your information confidential. Everyone must keep your information secure and share it only when necessary. We may use information about you to: Make sure your care is of a high standard. Plan services. Check how well we are performing. Help train staff and support research. Fund your care.





	If you have a complaint about the service that you have received from the doctors or staff working at this practice you are entitled to ask for an explanation. We operate an informal in-house complaints procedure. Your complaint should be addressed to our Practice Manager. We will ensure that any complaint is taken seriously. It will be confidentially investigated. A reply and/or the chance to talk about it will be arranged to resolve matters within three days of the initial contact. We are constantly striving to improve our services and will welcome any comments that you have which will help us do that. Please see our Complaints Patient Information Leaflet for further information.





	The local Community Health Council is a statutory body, a government funded agency, whose function is to represent the public in the NHS. They are an independent link between you the patient and all the various health and voluntary agencies. They provide a free help and advice service to all residents and users of health services in the area, and are the "voice" and "watchdog" in all NHS affairs locally. If you have a problem, complaint or query they can be contacted on 01903 208282.





	We have an active Patient Participation Group attached to the practice. Its activities include patient liaison, organising talks by health specialists on health topics, fundraising for equipment for the surgery and producing a newsletter twice a year. For current news of events please look at the Friends Notice Board in the Henfield surgery.





	The Medical Centre Link Group is a voluntary service that provides transport to the Medical Centre and also local hospitals for patients who are without transport. The organisers appreciate 48 hours notice if at all possible. A donation towards petrol is requested. Please telephone the Medical Centre for further information.





	Completion of Provident Association forms (i.e. BUPA and PPP). Private sick notes. HGV, PSV and employment medicals. Vaccination certificates. Holiday insurance certificates and cancellations. Holiday immunisations and medication. Passport forms. Fit to drive certificates. Our receptionists can give you current charges for these services.