The Brooke Surgery – Patient Agreement (Staff Summary)

 

This document summarises the key points patients agree to when registering with The Brooke Surgery. It is a simplified reference guide for staff use.

Requests & Communication

  • All medical/admin requests go through digital triage (ChatDoc via website/NHS App).
  • Reception only helps if the patient genuinely cannot use online systems.
  • Do not ring reception to bypass the system unless vulnerable.
  • Use NHS App for prescriptions, results, and records.

Appointments & Care Team

  • Requests are triaged for urgency and type.
  • Patients may see the most appropriate professional (not always a GP).
  • GPs supervise triage decisions.

Prescriptions

  • Request repeats via NHS App; allow 2–3 working days.
  • No routine phone requests for prescriptions.
  • Prescribing follows local/national guidance and cost-effective choices.
  • Electronic Repeat Dispensing may be used where suitable.

Controlled & Addictive Medicines

  • Practice does not routinely continue or start addictive medicines (opioids, gabapentin, pregabalin, benzodiazepines, Z-drugs).
  • If already on them, patients must agree to a review and possible tapering/deprescribing plan.
  • Sedatives are not prescribed for fear of flying.
  • If prescribed, it will be for short-term use, with regular reviews.
  • Hospital/private prescriptions are only taken over if clinically appropriate.

Lost/Stolen Prescriptions

  • Must be reported; if stolen, a police crime reference number is required.
  • Replacements are not automatic and strictly limited.

Antibiotics

  • Only given after assessment if clinically appropriate. Not issued on demand.

Home Visits

  • Reserved for end-of-life or truly housebound patients.
  • Abuse of this service may lead to removal from the list.

Out-of-Area Patients

  • No home visits provided.
  • Must attend the surgery for face-to-face care.
  • If unable to travel long-term, patients must re-register nearer home.

Community Pharmacy Use

  • Patients expected to use Pharmacy First, contraception services, and BP checks at pharmacies when advised.

Remote Consulting

  • Telephone/video consultations may be used.
  • Identity checks (3 pieces of info) required.
  • Calls may be recorded.

Respect & Behaviour

  • Zero tolerance for abuse of staff or other patients. May lead to removal from list.

Attendance

  • Patients must attend booked appointments or cancel in advance.
  • Repeated 'Did Not Attend' may lead to removal.