The Accessible Information Standard (AIS) aims to make sure that disabled people have access to information they can understand and any communication support they might need.

If you have a communication need and would like to receive information in a different format to help you understand please inform us by completing an Accessible Information Form, or letting us know at reception. Such formats could include large text, easy read documents or you may require an interpreter for appointments.

Once we have this information, we will record it in your records so we can take steps to ensure you receive the information you can access and understand and also receive any communication support you require.

Further information please see Accessible Information Standard on the NHS website.

NHS England require that the net earnings of doctors engaged in the practice is publicised, and the required disclosure is shown below. However, it should be noted that the prescribed method for calculating earnings is potentially misleading because it takes no account of how much time doctors spend working in the practice, and should not be used to form any judgement about GP earnings, nor to make any comparison with any other practice.

All GP practices are required to declare the mean earnings (e.g. average pay) for GPs working to deliver NHS services to patients at each practice.

The average pay for GPs working in this practice in the last full financial year was £94,389 before Tax and National insurance. This is for 2 full time GPs and 1 part time GPs who worked in the practice for more than six months.

We make every effort to give the best service possible to everyone who attends our practice.

However, we are aware that things can go wrong resulting in a patient feeling that they have a genuine cause for complaint. If this is so, we would wish for the matter to be settled as quickly, and as amicably, as possible.

To pursue a complaint please contact the practice manager who will deal with your concerns appropriately. Further written information is available regarding the complaints procedure from reception.

Your Data Matters to the NHS

Information about your health and care helps us to improve your individual care, speed up diagnosis, plan your local services and research new treatments. The NHS is committed to keeping patient information safe and always being clear about how it is used.

How your data is used

Information about your individual care such as treatment and diagnoses is collected about you whenever you use health and care services. It is also used to help us and other organisations for research and planning such as research into new treatments, deciding where to put GP clinics and planning for the number of doctors and nurses in your local hospital.  It is only used in this way when there is a clear legal basis to use the information to help improve health and care for you, your family and future generations.

Wherever possible we try to use data that does not identify you, but sometimes it is necessary to use your confidential patient information.

You have a choice

You do not need to do anything if you are happy about how your information is used. If you do not want your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you can choose to opt out securely online or through a telephone service. You can change your mind about your choice at any time.

Will choosing this opt out affect your care and treatment?

No, choosing to opt out will not affect how information is used to support your care and treatment. You will still be invited for screening services, such as screenings for bowel cancer.

What do you need to do?

If you are happy for your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you do not need to do anything.

To find out more about the benefits of data sharing, how data is protected, or to make or change your opt out choice visit Your NHS Data Matters

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.

Infection Control Annual Statement April 2025

Purpose

This annual statement will be generated each year in April. It will summarise:

• Any infection transmission incidents and any action taken (these will have been reported in accordance with our Significant Event procedure)
• Details of any infection control audits undertaken, and actions undertaken
• Details of any control risk assessments undertaken
• Details of staff training
• Any review and update of policies, procedures, and guidelines

Background

Woodside Surgery has one lead for Infection, Prevention and Control, our Paramedic Nicola Downes, supported by our cleaning staff.

Nicola keeps us updated on infection control and shares necessary information with the team.

Significant Events

In the last year 2024/2025 there have been no significant events raised that related to infection control.

Audits

An audit on Minor Surgery was undertaken by Heather Steven, Practice Manager. No infections were reported for patients who had had minor surgery at the practice.

An Infection Prevention and Control in General Practice audit was completed by Caroline Petch, Nurse Practitioner, no major problems were noted, some minor issues were identified, these include:

• GP room untidy, with cluttered workspace and countertops
• No antibacterial wipes in room
• a cluttered work station/shelving in room
• Untidy storage area between rooms
• Cluttered nurses room.

The inadequacies that were noted have been addressed to ensure compliance. We will aim to do more to share information with our patients and will therefore place a copy of this Annual Statement on our practice website and will notify patients of any seasonal outbreaks that they may need to be aware of via posters in the surgery and on our website.

Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are carried out so best practice can be established and then followed.

Cleaning specifications, frequencies, and cleanliness

We have added a cleaning specification and frequency policy poster in the waiting room to inform our patients of what they can expect in the way of cleanliness.

We also have a cleaning specification and frequency policy which our cleaners work to. An annual assessment of cleanliness is conducted by the cleaning team and logged. This includes all aspects in the surgery including cleanliness of equipment. The practice cleaning team have been on board with this risk assessment.

No problems were identified in this year’s cleaning audit. New procedures have been put in place to ensure cleaning specifications and frequencies are adequate for a General Practice environment.

Toys, books, and magazines

We have taken the decision to no longer provide magazines or toys to entertain adults or children whilst they are in the waiting room. We feel it is more important to manage the risk of potential infection than to entertain patients.

Curtains

Modesty curtains in treatment rooms are disposable and once opened are changed every 6 months as per practice policy.

Decorating

Over the past few months, we have painted the internal walls and doors of the surgery as part of our ongoing reviews.

Staff training

The GP’s, nurse practitioner, paramedic, practice nurses and HCA completed a training course for the prevention of infection and infection control specifically for clinical staff, and refresh by completing the course annually, our admin team also complete on-line training for infection control for administrative staff.

All our staff (including admin team are aware of the importance of hand hygiene and complete basic infection control training)

Policies, Procedures and Guidelines

Policies relating to Infection Prevention and Control are reviewed and updated annually, and all are amended on an on-going basis as current advice, guidance, and legislation changes.

Heather Steven

Practice Manager

For and on behalf of Woodside Surgery

Next Statement: April 2026

All patients registered at Woodside Surgery have a named doctor who has overall responsibility for your care and support. Your registered GP is also your named accountable and your allocated GP. Your allocated GP will be responsible for the provision of your healthcare. If you choose to see another doctor at the surgery you are entirely free to go on doing so exactly as before.

If you are unsure of who is your named Doctor please ask at reception

New patients are allocated a Doctor on Registration.

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 viewing the NHS Digital Summary Care Record 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

The NHS operate a zero tolerance policy with regard to violence and abuse and the practice has the right to remove violent patients from the list with immediate effect in order to safeguard practice staff, patients and other persons. Violence in this context includes actual or threatened physical violence or verbal abuse which leads to fear for a person’s safety. In this situation we will notify the patient in writing of their removal from the list and record in the patient’s medical records the fact of the removal and the circumstances leading to it.