Practice Policies

Kirby Road Surgery believe in fairness, equality and diversity. We are committed to actively recognising and championing equality and diversity within our team and the local community, and believe that the patients who use our services, their carers/ representatives as well as our staff should be treated with respect and dignity.

The Partners and wider team are committed to abolishing discrimination on the basis of gender, age, disability, race, religion, sexuality or social class. We endeavour to provide accessible services that are consistently delivered in a way that respects the needs of each individual and does not exclude anyone. We have a zero tolerance towards any level of discrimination towards our patients, visitors or staff.

The practice will embed its equality and diversity values into everyday practice, policies and procedures so that equality and diversity becomes the norm for all. We have a comprehensive Equality and Diversity policy that all members of staff are required to adhere. The Partners also ensure all members of the practice staff undergo regular Equality and Diversity training to ensure we remain aware of current guidelines, legislations, and principles.

What is Equality?

Equality is not about treating everyone the same, it is about ensuring that access to opportunities are available to all by taking account of people’s differing needs and capabilities.

What is Diversity?

Diversity is about recognising and valuing differences through inclusion, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial origin, religion, belief, sexual orientation, commitments outside work, part-time or shift work, language, union activity, HIV status, perspectives, opinions and person values etc. Kirby Road Surgery are committed to working towards developing a workforce that is representative of the community it serves.

• Have a publication scheme in place.
• Allow public access to information held by public authorities.

The act covers any recorded organisational information such as reports, policies or strategies, that is held by a public authority in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and by UK-wide public authorities based in Scotland, however it does not cover personal information such as patient records which are covered by the Data Protection Act.

Public authorities include government departments, local authorities, the NHS, state schools and police forces.

The act is enforced by the Information Commissioner who regulates both the Freedom of Information Act and the Data Protection Act.

The surgery publication scheme

A publication scheme requires an authority to make information available to the public as part of its normal business activities. The scheme lists information under seven broad classes, which are:

• Who we are and what we do.
• What we spend and how we spend it.
• What our priorities are and how we are doing it.
• How we make decisions.
• Our policies and procedures.
• Lists and registers.
• The services we offer.

Who can request information?

Under the act, any individual, anywhere in the world, is able to make a request to a practice for information. An applicant is entitled to be informed in writing, by the practice, whether the practice holds information of the description specified in the request and if that is the case, have the information communicated to him. An individual can request information, regardless of whether he/she is the subject of the information or affected by its use. 

How should requests be made?

Requests must:

• Be made in writing (this can be electronically e.g. email).
• State the name of the applicant and an address for correspondence.
• Describe the information requested.

What cannot be requested?

Personal data about staff and patients covered under Data Protection Act.

For more information see these websites:

• Legislation GOV.UK
• Information Commissioners Office

Kirby Road Surgery aims to keep our building clean, tidy and offer a safe environment to both patients and staff. We pride ourselves on our building and endeavour to keep it clean and tidy at all times.

All clinical members of staff adhere to our infection control policy to ensure the care we deliver and the equipment we utilise on a regular basis is safe.

The practice takes additional measures to ensure we maintain the highest standards:

• We actively encourage staff and patients to raise any issues or report any incidents relating to cleanliness and infection control. We will discuss all matters raised to us and identify improvements we can make to ensure these issues do not happen again.
• Our Head Nurse carries out an annual infection control audit to ensure our infection control procedures are effective.
• The Management Team provide annual staff updates and training on cleanliness, infection control and their importance.
• The Management Team reviews our policies and procedures annually to make sure they are adequate and follow national guidance.
• We maintain our internal and external premises as well as the equipment included to a high standard, ensuring that all reasonable steps are taken to reduce or remove all infection risk.
• Use washable or disposable materials for items such as couch rolls, modesty curtains, floor coverings, towels etc and ensure that these are laundered, cleaned or changed on a regular basis to minimise risk of infection.
• Provide alcohol hand gel throughout the building.

If you have any concerns about cleanliness or infection control, please report this to our reception, or contact the Managing Partner on: admin.kirbyroad@nhs.net

We respect your right to privacy and keep all your health information confidential and secure. It is important that the NHS keeps accurate and up-to-date records about your health and treatment so that those treating you can give you the best possible care.

This information may be used for management and audit purposes. However, it is usually only available to, and used by, those involved in your care. You have the right to know what information we hold about you. If you would like to see your records please contact the practice.

Smoking in all enclosed/ indoor public places and workplaces in the United Kingdom (UK) is illegal. Therefore, Kirby Road Surgery has a ‘No Smoking’ policy in place in all areas of the building as well as the external premises.

Patients found smoking will be requested to leave. Where difficulties arise, the police will be called without delay and without challenging the offender further.

Patients repeating the offence will be removed from the practice list.

Electronic cigarettes must not be used on practice premises, as they emit a nicotine vapour.

Kirby Road Surgery have a zero tolerance policy against abusive behaviour.

We take seriously any threatening, abusive or violent behaviour against any of our staff or patients.

If a patient is violent or abusive, they will be warned to stop their behaviour. If they persist, we may exercise our right to take action to have them removed, immediately if necessary, from our list of patients.