Faversham Medical Practice has a zero-tolerance attitude towards; shouting and swearing; violent, threatening and abusive behaviour; sexual harassment; discriminating behaviour and racism. Patients who act in such a manner will be asked to leave the premises, the Police may be called and you could be removed from our patient list.

Please view our Data Processing Activities information document here.

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

Why do I need a Summary Care Record?

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.

Who can see it?

Only healthcare staff involved in your care can see your Summary Care Record.

How do I know if I have one?

Over half of the population of England now have a Summary Care Record. You can find out whether Summary Care Records have come to your area by looking at our interactive map or by asking your GP

Do I have to have one?

No, it is not compulsory. If you choose to opt out of the scheme, then you will need to complete a form and bring it along to the surgery. You can use the form at the foot of this page.

More Information

For further information visit the NHS Care records website

Faversham Medical Practice is research active. We are currently take part in National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) portfolio and other high quality research studies. Research is part of NHS work, giving patients better access to the possible benefits research brings. Last year, over 600,000 NHS patients chose to take part in clinical research. Thanks to those patients, we are learning more all the time about how to deal with a whole range of medication conditions that will improve lives.

During your visit you may be invited to take part in one of the research studies we are running or we may have written to you to tell you about a research study you might be interested in taking part in.

You will always receive clear information about what taking part in a research study would involve. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and obtain further details about a study.

You are under no obligation to participate in any research project. Your care and your relationship with your doctor or nurse will not be affected in any way if you decided not to take part in a research study.

By taking part in these studies, we hope to help improve care for our patients in the future.

In line with the new GDPR regulations coming into force on 25^th May, we wanted to update all patients with clear information about how we are using your data with respect to research. For more information, please click here for more information or contact Nichola Love (Nichola.love@nhs.net).

1) New Studies opening at Faversham Medical Practice

CLASP 4 study – Renewed Online Feasibility Study. Cancer: Life Affirming Survivorship support in Primary care (CLASP) Programme

• There is a need for tailored support for cancer survivors, to improve their quality of life. This study will assess an online intervention, called Renewed Online, that offers lifestyle and wellbeing support for cancer survivors.
• We will be sending information to survivors of Breast, Prostate and Colorectal Cancer to seek anyone who may be interested in taking part.

TRIMASTER

• This study aims to identify reasons why patients with type 2 diabetes might respond well or poorly to particular drugs.
• The way patients respond to treatment based on their particular characteristics such as weight or kidney function, will enable better targeting of treatment for a particular individual.

2) Studies now closed to recruitment – thanks to everyone who took part!

PACT study: Personalised medicine for Asthma ConTrol

• Asthma is very common and affects about 2 children in every classroom. Although effective medicines exist, these do not improve asthma symptoms for all children and young people. It may be different medicines could be better at reducing symptoms for children and young people with certain genes. This study is trying to find out if prescribing an asthma controller medication based on the results of a genetic test can improve quality of life and asthma control in children and young people with asthma.
• The research team will be sending information to patients (and their parents) aged 12-18 with asthma to seek anyone who might be interested in taking part. If you would like to be involved, please see contact details at the bottom of this page.

PDAF – Atrial Fibrillation Screening in General Practice by Clinical Pharmacists

• During a small number of flu vaccination clinics, a team of pharmacists screened patients coming in for their Flu vaccination. This was to look for people with an irregular heartbeat called Atrial Fibrillation (AF). We also carried out a couple of events locally for to raise awareness of Atrial Fibrillation with the support of the practice and the Heart Rhythm Alliance, more information on this association can be found here.

HEAT study

• This study will investigate whether a one-week course of antibiotics to remove bacteria that live in the stomach (called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)) could reduce the incidence of gastric ulcer bleeds in patients who are using aspirin.
• 29 patients took part in this study so a big thank you to all.

If you would like any more information about the research going on at Faversham Medical Practice, please contact Melanie Rees-Roberts (m.rees-roberts@kent.ac.uk, T:01227 816433).

Please note that all patients in the practice are allocated to a Named GP. This is following guidelines from the Department of Health. Although it is preferable to try and maintain some continuity with seeing the same GP for an existing medical condition, this does not stop you from seeing any GP within the practice.

If you currently have a repeat medication on prescription, your named GP will be printed on your repeat medication order form. If you are still unsure as to whom your Named GP is, please ask at the reception desk, or speak to a GP/nurse at your next appointment.

Concerns and Complaints
We aim to provide all of our patients with the best care that we can. We know that there may be times when we fall short of the mark and would want to know if you are unhappy with our service.
If you do have a complaint or concern, often the quickest way to resolve it is to speak to a member of the team and if they can assist straight away. If not, they will refer the matter to the Complaints Administrator who will take matters from there.
We would encourage you to speak to whoever you feel most comfortable with—your doctor, a nurse, a receptionist or manager, but if you prefer to give your feedback in writing, please send us a message via the practice website feedback form or by emailing us at kmicb.fmp@nhs.net. We would also welcome your comments, concerns and ideas through our Patients Participation Group.

If you have a complaint, please do not be afraid to say how you feel. We welcome feedback as this helps us improve our standards and you will not be treated any differently because you have complained. We will do our best to put right anything that has gone wrong.

Who can make a complaint?
Complaints can be made by patients either on their own behalf or by a representative (with your consent).

What are the time limits for making a complaint?
Often it is best to let us know as soon as you can whilst you can remember the details clearly.
Usually, the NHS Complaints Procedures only deal with complaints made regarding an event or discovery that occurred within 12 months. This time limit may be waived if there are good reasons why you could not let us know earlier and we can still carry out an effective investigation

What happens next?
Following a formal or written complaint, the Complaints Administrator will acknowledge your complaint and make early contact with you (within 3 working days) to discuss the way forward and provide you with an information leaflet. The discussion can be face to face but need not be depending upon what is most convenient for all concerned. Your complaint will be investigated within an agreed timescale and you will be kept informed of progress.

What happens if the complaint involves a hospital?
Where other organisations such as hospitals are involved in the complaint, we will aim to provide you with a co-ordinated response covering all aspects of your complaint where possible.

How would the complaint be concluded?
Once the investigation has been concluded a letter will be sent to you setting out how we investigated your complaint as well as details of the actions taken as a result of our findings. We hope that your complaint will be resolved at this stage, but if not, we may invite you to discuss what else might be done.
If you remain unhappy, you have the option of contacting the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman using the details within your leaflet.

What other options do I have for making a complaint?
Complaints can be directed to NHS England rather than the practice if you do not feel you can approach the Practice and they may undertake the complaint handling or in some cases with your consent, may refer the complaint back to the practice. NHS England is obliged to notify the practice about any complaints it receives with your consent.
NHS England, PO Box 16738, Redditch, B97 9PT
Tel: 0300 311 2233
Other ways to contact NHS England

If you remain dissatisfied with the response from the Practice (or NHS England where your complaint was investigated by them) then you have the right to refer your complaint to the Health Service Ombudsman. They would require a clear statement of what issues remain outstanding.
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Citygate, 47-51 Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3HQ
Tel: 0345 015 4033
Making a complaint | Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO)

Who can help you with your complaint?
The Advocacy People
This is an Independent Advocacy Service which is available to support you and represent your views when making a complaint— they can accompany you to meetings to discuss your complaint and provide support or an interpreter.

The Advocacy People, PO Box 375, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 9HU
Tel: 0330 440 9000
Other ways to contact The Advocacy People

In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Access to Health Records Act, patients may request to see their medical records. Such requests should be made through the practice manager and may be subject to an administration charge. No information will be released without the patient consent unless we are legally obliged to do so.

Information about the General Practioners and the practice required for disclosure under this act can be made available to the public. All requests for such information should be made to the practice manager.