You have every right to complain if the service you receive falls short of what you expect. You can do this by writing to the Director of Patient Services and Quality here at the hospital. If you are still dissatisfied after your complaint has been investigated, your local community health council can offer advice and support or you can telephone NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for information on how to complain further.

Data Protection 1998 and Access to Health Records Act 1990

You, or someone with your authority, can apply to see your health record. If the patient is a child, then a parent, guardian, or someone with parental responsibility may apply. If the patient is deceased, the next-of-kin or any person who may have a claim arising out of the patient's death may see the relevant part of the deceased's health record.

We will require proof of identity in order to avoid any breach of confidentiality. If someone makes the application other than the patient, we will need proof that he or she is entitled to make the application.

Very rarely, we may deny or limit access to a certain part of the record. This may occur when, in the opinion of the record holder, revealing certain information may cause you or the person applying for access serious physical or mental harm. Other situations may include withholding details provided by a third party who may not want the information disclosed and their rights to privacy are considered.

You must make your request in writing to the Director of Patient Services and Quality, here at the trust, who will forward you the appropriate application form. The process may take up to 21 days from the date we receive your returned application form. If we require further information from you to assist us with your request, this may take longer.

If you do not understand any of the terms, you are entitled to an explanation from a health care professional. If you discover any inaccuracies, the health care professional will either make the necessary amendments or make a record of your alleged inaccuracies.

During your treatment, you can ask to see your record, in which circumstances, the health care professional responsible for your care may wish to give you the record and go through it with you. Such as request is not an application under the Health Records Act of 1990.

Safety

The safety and wellbeing of our patients, visitors, and staff are our prime concern. CCO has an active Risk Management Team and Health & Safety Committee, and staff are continually involved in Quality Improvement Projects.