New Patient Charter: “You and Your General Practice”

Important News for Our Patients

As of October 1st, 2025, all GP practices in England are required to publish the new patient charter, “You and Your General Practice.” This document, introduced by NHS England, is designed to help you understand what to expect from our practice and how you can work with us to get the best care possible.

The charter outlines your rights and responsibilities as a patient, and it is a key part of the new GP contract for 2025/26. It aims to improve transparency and communication between our practice team and you.

Key Points of the Charter:

• Access to Care: The charter clarifies how you can contact us—in person, by phone, or online via our website and the NHS App—during core hours (8:00am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday). It also explains that our practice will respond to your requests within one working day and will not ask you to call back the next day.
• How We Handle Your Requests: When you contact us for an appointment or medical advice, we will assess your needs and decide on the next appropriate step. This could be a same-day or future appointment, a phone consultation, a text message, or advice to visit a pharmacy or another NHS service.
• Your Rights: The charter reaffirms your right to be treated with dignity and respect by all our staff. It also outlines your rights regarding registration (you do not need ID or a permanent address), receiving a response to your health queries, and getting extra help such as interpreters or longer appointments if needed.
• Your Responsibilities: To help us provide the best service, the charter asks for your cooperation. This includes treating our staff with respect, being on time for your appointments, and cancelling appointments as soon as possible if you no longer need them.
• Feedback and Concerns: The document explains how you can share feedback or raise concerns with the practice, your local Healthwatch, or the Integrated Care Board (ICB).

How to View the Charter:

You can read the full “You and Your General Practice” document by clicking on the link below. The charter is also available on the NHS England website in multiple languages.

We encourage all our patients to read this important charter to understand how we can best work together to support your health and well-being.