The surgery building will be closed from time to time for staff training. We apologise for any inconvenience, which we hope will be minimal. The telephone will remain operational for urgent problems.

Our Practice participates in the training of senior medical students in general practice. We should be grateful if you would accept them as part of the medical team. You will be advised in advance when making an appointment whether a student or doctor in training will be present.

The Practice participates in the training of doctors pursuing a career in general practice. These doctors are fully qualified and may have several years experience in hospital medicine. Whilst they are with us we like them to contribute fully in the medical care offered by the Practice. We value our training status and the input that these doctors give to the Practice.

Our commitment to medical education sometimes involves the video recording of consultations. You will be advised in advance if the doctor wishes to record your consultation and your permission will be sought. Tapes will only be used by doctors for teaching purposes. From time to time the Practice is involved in Practice Assessments when visiting doctors are required to scrutinise the standards of medical records. Please let us know if you have any objection to this so that your wishes can be noted.

You can be assured that the Practice endeavours to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality at all times.

The Practice is committed to audit its organisation and clinical care with a view to, improving its standards.

From time to time the Practice will be involved in research work, such as that organised, by the Medical Research Council (MRC). We are grateful to our patients who assist in these projects for their co-operation and help.

Sometimes this means that patients' records may be used for research purposes. We emphasise that this is done in such a way as to protect confidentiality.

However, if you wish to refuse permission for your records to be used in this way, please, inform the Practice Manager, who will mark your medical records accordingly. Please be assured that this will in no way affect the quality of your care.