Sedation for procedures

After careful consideration, we have decided to stop prescribing Benzodiazepines (such as diazepam) for patients undergoing MRI scans or other investigative procedures. Like many other GP practices adopting similar policies, we have not made this decision lightly. It is the belief of our GP partners, and by extension, all of the prescribers working within the practice, that the appropriateness of sedation must be assessed by the clinician performing a procedure, and any required prescription must be prescribed by them.

The reasons for this can be found below:

• Small doses of benzodiazepines, such as 2mg of diazepam, are likely to be ineffective for most adults in providing adequate sedation. Conversely, anxiolytics can provoke varied responses in patients, and even minimal doses can lead to increased agitation in certain patient groups.
• A patient might take a sedative an hour before their planned procedure, only to arrive at the hospital and find that their procedure has been delayed. As a result, the timing of the anxiolytic becomes less effective.
• GPs do not regularly engage in, possess the requisite expertise for, or receive training and assessment in sedation skills.
• All hospital consultants, including those requesting imaging and those performing it, have the same prescription abilities as GPs. This capacity to prescribe means that if a patient needs a specific medication for an investigation, they can easily be provided with a prescription through the hospital pharmacy or from a hospital FP10.

We would advise any patients who still feel that benzodiazepines are necessary to consult directly with their radiographers, who can offer specific guidance on available options.

At the organisation we have a Facebook page that provides a range of useful information for our patient population.

This practice has a duty to maintain patient confidentiality and to safeguard vulnerable patients. You can help us to achieve this by adhering to the code of conduct outlined in this guidance.

Patients are expected to always adhere to the following code of conduct:

1. The organisation requires all users of portable devices to use them in a courteous and considerate manner, respecting their fellow patients. Portable devices are not to be used during consultations, except when agreed with your clinician.
2. Patients are not permitted to disclose any patient-identifiable information about other patients unless they have the express consent of that patient.
3. While not encouraged, patients may record their consultation but this should be agreed with your clinician. This recording will solely be for your own purpose.
4. Patients must not post any material that is inaccurate, fraudulent, harassing, embarrassing, obscene, defamatory or unlawful. Any such posts on any of the practice’s social media pages will be deleted and the post reported.
5. Patients are not permitted to take photographs in any area where other patients are present, nor is it permitted to take photographs of staff.
6. Patients must not post comments on social media that identify any staff.
7. Patients can leave an official review about the practice at Ratings and reviews – Blackburn Rd.Medical Ctr. – NHS as this will enable the Practice Manager to respond appropriately. Reviews left on unofficial sites will not be responded to.
8. Defamatory comments about our team are not to be shared on any social media platform. Legal advice may be sought and the appropriate action taken against any patient who posts defamatory comments.

Patient complaints on social media

We have a separate Complaints Procedure that patients are to use should they wish to make a complaint. We will only respond to complaints made to the organisation in accordance with practice policy.

If a complaint is made on a social media platform, it will not be acknowledged, and you will be requested to delete it.

Please see our Local Access Policy.

The practice has a policy in relation to abusive and threatening behaviour – if any patient behaves in this way, as a consequence they may be removed from the practice list.

Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of his/her patients. Most GP’s have a very heavy workload- the majority of GP’s work up to 60 hours a week and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time. In addition non-NHS workmust be undertaken outside of NHS contracted time.

The government’s contract with GP’s covers medical services to NHS patients. In recent years, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GP’s are asked is because they are in a position of trust in the community, or because an insurance company or employer wants to be sure that information provided is true and accurate

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

If you have any suggestions for improvements in the way the surgery operates, please put in writing and put in the prescription box in the waiting room or ask to see Mr Gwatkin, Practice Manager.

Why do GP’s charge fees? Your questions answered

The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions. Prescription charges have existed since 1951, and there are a number of other services for which fees are charged. Sometimes the charge is made to cover some of the cost of treatment, for example dental fees. In other cases it is because the service isn’t covered by the NHS, for example, medical reports for insurance companies, claimson private health insurance and other letters and forms which require the doctor to review the patient’s medical records.

It is important to understand that GP’s 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 wayas any small business

The NHS pays the doctor for specific NHS work, but for non NHS the fee has to cover the doctor’s costs

All practice Policies are reviewed annually and all staff undergo a variety annual Statutory and Mandatory of training which includes the following:

• Equality and Diversity training
• Conflict Resolution
• Safeguarding
• Data Security
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Customer Service