• to be treated with courtesy and with respect for your privacy and dignity.
• to receive treatment on the basis of your clinical need.
• to choose to have a relative or friend with you during consultations and examinations.
• staff to understand that you might be feeling anxious and vulnerable and that this may affect the way you behave.
• to be informed on arrival at an appointment if delays are occurring and to receive an explanation why.
• to take part in all decisions about your treatment and have the pros and cons of treatment, including any risks, side effects and alternative methods of treatment, fully explained.
• to receive an explanation and, where appropriate, an apology if things go wrong, and to complain if you are unhappy with the treatment you receive.

As a patient, you have a responsibility:

• to treat the staff who care for you with courtesy and respect at all times, and to extend this courtesy and respect to your fellow patients.
• to give reasonable notice if you are unable to attend an appointment.
• to inform the surgery at once of any change in contact address or telephone number.
• to understand that there are pressures and limitations on health service resources and on those working within the service.
• to let staff know if you have any allergies or sensitivities to medication or have any change in your health that could affect the treatment you receive.
• to take any medicines as instructed and seek medical advice before stopping or changing treatment.
• to consider the consequences of refusing treatment or not following medical advice and accept responsibility for your own actions.