Obligations, Rights and Responsibilities



The relationship between a GP surgery and their patients is based on trust, mutual respect, and open communication.  The following is an overview to help explain what you, as a patient, can expect from our staff and what we, the surgery staff, can expect from you.

Our Responsibilities

  • To treat you with respect and courtesy
  • To keep all information shared with us confidential
  • To treat you as an individual and include you in decision making about your health
  • To give you information on the services we offer, including health promotion advice and support
  • To give you appropriate care by suitably qualified staff
  • To refer you to hospital clinic services when appropriate
  • To give you access to your health records, subject to any limitations in the law

Your Responsibilities as a Patient

  • To treat all staff with respect and courtesy
  • To follow the medical advice given to you by the doctor or nurse
  • To tell us if you are unsure about the treatment we are offering you
  • To tell us about any changes to your contact or personal details as soon as possible
  • To attend appointments on time (if you are more than 10 minutes late for your appointment you may not be seen)
  • To tell us as soon as possible if you cannot attend an appointment (or cancel the appointment using your online account)

Zero Tolerance

Sefton Park Medical Centre has a zero tolerance policy.

It is our policy to be helpful and polite to all of our patients regardless of age, ethnic origin, disability, gender or sexual orientation. We expect the same courtesy from our patients.

Discriminatory, threatening, violent or abusive behaviour towards staff, other patients or the premises will not be tolerated. 

If at any time this takes place we have the right to inform the police and make arrangements for you to be removed from our practice list.