Named GP
In line with our NHS contractual requirement, all of our patients have been allocated a named accountable GP. The role of your named GP is largely one of overview, and they will take lead responsibility for the co-ordination of appropriate services involved in your care. There is no requirement for you to see your named GP when you book an appointment. You can choose to see any Doctor, nurse or other health professional, in line with current arrangements. Please ask at reception if you do not know who your named accountable GP is. Thank you.
ZERO TOLERANCE
We operate a zero tolerance approach at this practice. We will not accept any aggressive, violent or abusive behaviour, both physical or verbal. If our staff feel threatened your call will be terminated, will be removed from the building, and you may be removed from the practice list and reported to the police.
Comments, Complaints and Suggestions
We aim to offer a friendly, personal, comprehensive and high standard of family health care to all our patients. We always welcome your feedback and value your comments and suggestions. Please get in touch via our online form or by telephone and let us know your thoughts. We endeavour to listen to your comments and act appropriately on the constructive feedback to deliver the best for you and your family.
Privacy Statement/Policy
A privacy notice is a statement that discloses some or all of the ways in which the practice gathers, uses, discloses and manages a patient’s data. It fulfils a legal requirement to protect a patient’s privacy. Please see below to read Farnham Medical Centre’s privacy notice and how we look after your data.
Privacy Notice GP V1.1 Feb 2022
More about our website privacy policy
Cookie Policy
Full information on our cookie policy
General Practice Data Service for Planning and Research
Confidentiality
The practice operates a strict policy regarding confidentiality. If you have any concerns with data protection please discuss this with a member of staff.
Non NHS Work
Medical examinations for special purposes i.e. elderly drivers, pre-employment, HGV, taxi etc. can be arranged through the reception staff. There may be a charge for some of these examinations
Surely the doctor is being paid anyway? It is important to understand that many GPs are not employed by the NHS. They are self-employed and they have to cover their costs – staff, buildings, heating, lighting, etc – in the same way as any small business. The NHS covers these costs for NHS work, but for non-NHS work, the fees charged by GPs contribute towards their costs.
What is covered by the NHS and what is not? The Government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients, including the provision of ongoing medical treatment. In recent years, however, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GPs are asked is because they are in a position of trust in the community, or because an insurance company or employer wants to ensure that information provided to them is true and accurate.
Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their own NHS patients:
- accident or sickness certificates for insurance purposes
- school fee and holiday insurance certificates
- reports for health clubs to certify that patients are fit to exercise
Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge other institutions:
- life assurance and income protection reports for insurance companies
- reports for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in connection with disability living allowance and attendance allowance
- medical reports for local authorities in connection with adoption and fostering
Do GPs have to do non-NHS work for their patients? With certain limited exceptions, for example a GP confirming that one of their patients is not fit for jury service, GPs do not have to carry out non-NHS work on behalf of their patients. Whilst GPs will always attempt to assist their patients with the completion of forms, for example for insurance purposes, they are not required to do such non-NHS work.
Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form? Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of his or her patients. Most GPs have a very heavy workload and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time, so many GPs find they have to take some paperwork home at night and weekends.
I only need the doctor’s signature – what is the problem? When a doctor signs a certificate or completes a report, it is a condition of remaining on the Medical Register that they only sign what they know to be true. In order to complete even the simplest of forms, therefore, the doctor might have to check the patient’s entire medical record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor with the General Medical Council (the doctors’ regulatory body) or even the Police.
What will I be charged? You will be told in advance if they will be charged, and what the fee will be.
Modern Slavery
More information on our modern slavery statement
GP Earnings 20/21; 21/22
Farnham 2021-22 Average GP earnings non dispensing
Accessibility Policy
