All Polices

Zero Tolerance

This Practice supports the Government’s Zero Tolerance Campaign. Violence and abuse is a growing concern. GPs and their staff have the right to care for others without fear of being attacked or abused. Violent patients will be reported to the police and struck off the practice list.

We ask that you treat your GP and their staff properly – without violence or abuse.

Social Media – Patient Policy

Introduction

There are many social media platforms that are widely used by both staff and patients; these can include but are not limited to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Vida Healthcare uses the following platform:

Facebook page – @vidahealthcarenorfolk

None of the aforementioned platforms are suitable for the sharing of confidential information. The Practice is not able to offer any medical advice or diagnoses via social media. If you, a friend or family member are feeling unwell please call either the General Practitioner’s (GPs) practice or NHS111 by dialling 111.

Other ways of contacting us are detailed in the contact us section of our website www.vidahealthcare.nhs.uk

Restrictions

We would ask that patients adhere to the following:

  • Patients are not permitted to disclose any patient-identifiable information about others.
  • Patients must not post any material that is inaccurate, fraudulent, harassing, embarrassing, obscene, defamatory or unlawful.
  • Patients are not permitted to take photographs in the waiting room or reception areas where other patients or staff are present.
  • Patients must not post comments on social media that identify staff who work at the practice.
  • Patients are able to use NHS Choices should they wish to leave a review about the Practice, where the practice is able to respond.
  • Defamatory comments about our team are not to be shared on any social media platform.

Availability

Our social media accounts are monitored during office hours: 09:00-17:00, Monday – Friday, excluding public holidays.

From time to time, social media services may be unavailable, and we accept no responsibility for lack of service due to social media service downtime.

Complaints on Social Media

We have a separate complaints policy should patients wish to make a complaint.

How we use your data

Why Does NHS Digital Collect Data?

  • NHS Digital is legally responsible for all health and care data in England

  • So they are responsible for collecting, analysing and sharing it.

  • They have done this for over 10 years.

How is it Used?

  • Research the long-term impact of coronavirus on the population

  • Understand whether certain groups of people are getting fair access to care

  • Research and develop cures for serious illnesses

  • NHS Digital confirmed they will never share with marketing or insurance companies

  • Only shared with trusted NHS and research organisations

What data is taken from the practice?

  • This data will be shared from 1 September 2021. Data may be shared from the GP medical records about:

  • Patients registered at the practice

  • Will not collect patients’ names or addresses.

  • Any data that could identify you is replaced with a code

  • NHS Digital will collect structured and coded data from patient medical records.

We would like to make it clear that there are two types of opt out.

Type 1 applies at practice level and means that your medical record is not extracted from the practice for any purpose other than direct care.

Type 2 (National Data Opt Out) means data can go to NHS Digital for their lawful purposes but cannot be shared with organisation beyond NHS Digital for research and planning purposes.

If you wish to apply Type 1 Opt Out, please let us know and we will apply this at locally to your clinical record. This will mean you data is not extracted on the 1st of September 2021.

If you wish to apply Type 2 National Data Opt Out you must do this directly with NHS Digital. You can do this in a few ways:

  1. By following the instructions here https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/manage-your-choice/
  2. Emailing enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk
  3. Calling 0300 303 5678 (lines are open Monday -Friday 9am-5pm)
  4. Writing to: 

    National Data Opt Out Contact Centre
    NHS Digital,
    HM Government,
    7 and 8 Wellington Place,
    Leeds,
    LS1 4AP

GP2GP Links

GP2GP enables patients’ electronic health records to be transferred directly and securely between GP practices when patients register with a new GP. It improves patient care as GPs will usually have full and detailed medical records available to them for a new patient’s first consultation. Vida Healthcare uses GP2GP record transfer.

Further information on GP2GP can be found on the following weblink: digital.nhs.uk/services/gp2gp

Summary Care Record

The Central NHS Computer System is called the Summary Care Record (SCR). It is an electronic record which contains core information about the medicines you take, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had.

Storing information in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed. This information could make a difference to how a doctor decides to care for you, for example which medicines they choose to prescribe for you.

For more information on the Summary Care Record, please click the link below.

Summary Care Record Leaflet

You also have the choice to opt out of the SCR. If you would like to opt out then please complete the form on the link below and hand in at your surgery.

​Summary Care Record Opt Out Form