A practice leaflet serves as an important document for patients and provides essential information about the healthcare services available under a specific contract. To ensure transparency and clear communication, the leaflet must include the following details:
Contractor Information
- The full name of the Contractor responsible for the practice.
Practice Premises Address
- The address of each of the Contractor’s practice premises, where services are provided.
Contact Information
- The Contractor’s telephone number.
- The address of the practice’s website for easy access to additional information.
Partnership Details (if applicable)
- Whether the contract is held by a limited partnership or not.
- A list of all partners involved in the partnership. In the case of a limited partnership, their status as either a general or limited partner should be specified.
Company Details (if applicable)
- The names of all company directors, the company secretary, and the shareholders.
- The address of the company’s registered office.
Personnel Information
- The full name of each person performing services under the contract, ensuring patients are aware of who will be providing their care.
Professional Qualifications
- The professional qualifications of each healthcare professional working under the contract, so patients can have confidence in the expertise of those treating them.
Teaching or Training Services
- Information on whether the Contractor is involved in teaching or training healthcare professionals, or individuals aiming to become healthcare professionals.
Practice Area
- The geographical area in which the Contractor provides services, including any outer boundary areas. A sketch diagram, plan, or postcode should be provided to clearly define the area.
Accessibility for Disabled Patients
- Details on how the practice premises are accessible for patients with disabilities. If there are no on-site accessibility arrangements, alternative arrangements for accessing services should be provided.
Patient Registration Process
- Clear instructions on how patients can register with the practice, ensuring easy access to services.
Patient Preference for Practitioner
- Information about patients’ right to express a preference for a particular practitioner, as outlined in clause 13.8, and how they can communicate this preference.
Available Services
- A list of all services available under the contract, so patients know what care and support they can expect to receive.
Opening Hours
- The practice’s opening hours, including how patients can access services during core hours.
Home Visit Criteria
- The criteria for receiving home visits and the process by which patients can request such visits.
Consultation Availability
- Information on the types of consultations available to patients, as per clauses 7.8.1, 7.8.2, 7.9.1, and 7.9.2.
Out of Hours Services
- Details on arrangements for services outside of normal operating hours and how patients can contact these services.
Responsibility for Out of Hours Services
- If the Contractor does not provide out-of-hours services, patients should be informed that the Board is responsible for commissioning these services.
Repeat Prescription Process
- The method by which patients can obtain repeat prescriptions from the practice.
Repeat Prescribing Services
- If repeat prescribing services are available, the leaflet should explain the process for obtaining prescriptions.
Dispensing Services
- If the practice offers dispensing services, the leaflet should describe how prescriptions are dispensed to patients.
Complaint or Comment Process
- Information on how patients can make complaints or provide feedback regarding the provision of services.
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
- An outline of the rights and responsibilities of patients, including the importance of attending appointments and following the practice’s guidelines.
Action for Violent or Abusive Behavior
- Details of actions that may be taken if a patient behaves violently or abusively towards the Contractor, the practice staff, or others on the premises, as outlined in clause 13.11.
Patient Information Access and Rights
- Information about who has access to patient information, including identifiable details, and the patient’s rights in relation to the disclosure of this information.
Board Contact Information
- The full name, postal address, email address, and telephone number of the Board for patients to contact as needed.
Accountable GP Assignment for New and Existing Patients
- Information on the assignment of an accountable GP to new and existing patients, in line with clause 7.7B.
Accountable GP Assignment for Patients Aged 75 and Over
- Information regarding the assignment of an accountable GP for patients aged 75 and older, as outlined in clause 7.9.
This comprehensive information in the practice leaflet ensures that patients are fully informed about the services, rights, and responsibilities associated with their care. It is an essential tool for maintaining transparent, patient-centered healthcare delivery.
