About Woodhouse Medical Practice
Confidentiality
All patients’ records on file or computer are completely confidential. The practice complies with the Access to Medical Records Act, the Data Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Act. Access to patient records is limited to health professionals and administration staff who are bound by a code of confidentiality. In order to maintain confidentiality, test results will only be given to the patients themselves or parents of minors.
CQC information
Overview
Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 every registered provider must have a Statement of Purpose that includes the required set of information about our service. The Statement describes:
- The Provider’s aims and objectives in providing the service
- The kinds of service provided
- The health or care needs the service sets out to meet
- The locations where the services are actually provided or provided from
- Details from the provider including their legal status, and any manager, including the ‘address for service’ for all registered persons
Freedom of Information
The freedom of information act is an Act of Parliament of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that creates a public “right of access” to information held by public authorities
This is a guide to the General Practitioners Publication Scheme as required by the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Introduction
This Publication Scheme is a complete guide to the information routinely made available to the public by Woodhouse Medical Practice. It is a description of the information about our Doctors and the Practice, which we make publicly available. It will be reviewed at regular intervals and we will monitor its effectiveness.
How much does it cost?
The publications are all free unless otherwise indicated within each Class. (Where information is provided at a cost the charges are as below).
How is the information made available?
The information within each Class is currently available via this website, in our information folder in reception and can be requested in hard copy from reception (There will be a small charge for photocopies of documents).
Your rights to information
In addition to accessing the information identified in the Publication Scheme, you are entitled to request information about the practice and the partners under the NHS Openness Code 1995.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 recognises that members of the public have the right to know how public services are organised and run, how much they cost and how the decisions are made.
From January 1st 2005 General Practitioners have been obliged to respond to requests about information that they hold, that is recorded in any format. These rights are subject to some exemptions, which have to be taken into consideration before deciding what information can be released.
Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you are also entitled to access your clinical records or any other personal information held about you and you can contact the practice secretary to do this.
Feedback
If you have any comments about the operation of the Publication Scheme, or how we have dealt with your request for information from the Scheme, please write to:
The Practice Manager, Woodhouse Medical Practice, Cambridge Road, Leeds, LS6 2SF.
Classes Of Information
All information at Woodhouse Medical Practice is held, retained and destroyed in accordance with NHS guidelines. Our commitment to publish information excludes any information, which can be legitimately withheld under the exemptions set out in the NHS Openness Code or Freedom of Information Act 2000. Where individual Classes are subject to exemptions, the main reasons are for the protection of commercial interests and personal information under the Data Protection Act 1998. This applies to all Classes within the Publication Scheme. The information on this Scheme is grouped into the following broad categories:
Who We Are
Details of the practice, organisational structures and key personnel can be found in the practice profile in our patient information folder. The practice adheres to the National General Medical Services contract. The contract is with the NHS England.
The practice aims to follow National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and National Health Service guidelines. Copies of these can be found on the NICE website or the Department of Health website.
The NHS is a very large part of the public sector. It is possible to find out information about practices, Primary Care Trusts and other NHS services in your area by using NHS Choices Website. A full list of local General Practices can also be found there.
The full names of the GPs are listed in the introduction to this scheme, the practice leaflet and practice profile. As can be seen from the profile we employ a practice manager, practice nurses and a full range of administrative staff.
Our Services
The range of services we provide includes:
- Cervical cytology
- Child health surveillance
- Contraceptive services
- Immunisations
- Chronic disease management
- Minor Surgery
- ENT clinic
- Access to district nurse, midwife and health visitor
- Out of hours cover is currently NHS 111
Financial information
Funding details and charging policies:
- The practice receives money from NHS England according to its contract in exchange for providing services for patients.
- The practice also charges for certain services which are not provided within the NHS.
Regular publications and information for the public
Guidance and information leaflets
Complaints
If you wish to make a complaint about any aspect of our service you should first contact:
The Practice Manager, Woodhouse Medical Practice, Cambridge Road, Leeds, LS6 2SF.
The complaints procedure can be found on this website, at reception, and in the patient information folder.
Our policies and procedures
Policies and procedures for use within the practice include, but are not restricted to: data protection; prescribing and prescription; and health and safety.
This Publication Scheme
In this class, we will publish any changes we make to this Publication Scheme, the criteria on which our information management policies are made and a referral point for all enquiries regarding information management. We will also publish any proposed changes or additions to publications already available.
Cost of Information
We will charge you only for hard copies or the transfer of media onto external devices. Some information is available free, but for others, there may be a charge. The charges will vary according to how information is made available. Charges are as follows:
- Photocopying charges may apply.
- Leaflets – leaflets on services we offer to the public, health advice leaflets and information regarding complaints/suggestions and Access to data are available free of charge from reception and can be viewed in our patient information folders.
- “Glossy” or other bound paper copies, CD Rom, video or other mediums, are not currently available from the practice.
The charges will be reviewed regularly.
Useful Resources
Websites
Information Commissioner website.
Publications
Freedom Of Information Act 2000.
Copyright
Material available through this Publication Scheme is subject to the copyright of this General Practice unless otherwise indicated. Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, it may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium provided it is done so accurately in a manner which will not mislead. Where items are re-published or copied to others, you must identify the source and acknowledge copyright status. This permit does not extend to third party material, accessed through the scheme. See HMSO Guidance Notes.
GP Earnings
All GP practices are required to declare the mean earnings (e.g. average pay) for GPs
working to deliver NHS services to patients at each practice.
The average pay for GPs working in Woodhouse Medical Practice in the last financial year [2023/24] was £61,979 before tax and National Insurance. This is for 7 part time GPs who worked in the practice for more than six months
Named accountable GP
Every patient at the practice is allocated a named, accountable GP. This ensures you have a ‘usual’ GP as a point of contact and to assist with continuity of care. You should always try and see your usual GP, especially for ongoing problems, however we understand this is not always possible which is why there are no restrictions on seeing other doctors.
It is possible to change your named GP at any time, please contact reception who will be happy to help.
Patient Charter
You and your general practice
This guide tells you what to expect from your general practice (GP) and how you can help them, so you get the best from the National Health Service (NHS). More details can be found through the links below.
When and how can you contact your general practice?
Your general practice is open from 8:00am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday. Throughout these hours you, or your carer on your behalf, can:
- Visit the practice
- Call them
- Go online using the practice’s website or the NHS App.
You can choose the way you contact your practice based on what is best for you. Some practices may have longer hours or may ask that you contact them via phone or in person for urgent queries.
What if the practice is closed?
If you need urgent help for your physical or mental health when the general practice is closed, and you cannot wait until they open, go online to 111.nhs.uk (https://111.nhs.uk/) or call 111. They will tell you what to do next.
What if it’s an emergency?
If it’s a serious or life-threatening emergency, go straight to A&E (Accident and Emergency) or call 999.
What happens when you contact your practice to request an appointment?
Whether you make your request by phone, on-line or visiting your practice, you may be asked to give your practice some details so that they can assess what is best for you based on your clinical need. The practice team will consider your request for an appointment or medical advice and tell you within one working day what will happen next.
This could be:
- An appointment that day or a subsequent day
- A phone call that day or a subsequent day
- A text message responding to your query
- Advice to go to a pharmacy or another NHS service.
Your practice will decide what is best for you based on your clinical need. Your practice cannot tell you to just call back the next day.
Who might help you?
You might be offered a face-to-face appointment or a phone call with a GP or other member of the practice staff, like a nurse or pharmacist. If you have a carer, they can speak for you with your consent. You can ask to see a preferred healthcare professional, and the practice will try to meet your request, although you might have to wait longer for that person to be available. It can be helpful to see the same healthcare professional, particularly if you have a long-term health condition.
From what age can you see a GP on your own?
If you are 16 or older, you can make and go to appointments by yourself. If you are under 16, you can still ask to see a GP without your parent or guardian. The GP will decide if that’s appropriate for you.
What if you need extra help?
If you do not speak English, you can ask for interpretation services in your preferred language when you make an appointment.
If you need extra help like longer appointments, a quiet space, wheelchair access, or information in a different format, tell your practice and they will try to help.
How do you choose a general practice?
You can:
- Call or visit a local practice
- Use Find a GP online (https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp).
If you want to change to a new general practice you can do so at any point. Most people have a few choices nearby.
Do you need ID or proof of address?
No, you do not need ID, an NHS number or proof of address. It can help the practice if you do, but it is not needed to register or see a GP. You can also register with a practice if you are homeless.
Can a practice say no to registering you?
They must write to you within 14 days if they say no and explain why. A practice can only say no for a good reason, like if you live too far away or their patient list is closed. For example, they cannot say no for reasons such as immigration status, not having a permanent address, or for reasons connected with other characteristics protected under equalities legislation.
Can you choose which hospital or clinic you are referred to?
If your GP needs to refer you for a physical or mental health condition, in most cases you have the right to choose the hospital or service you’d like to go to. You can get further information on your right to choose on the nhs.uk website (https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs/).
If you are new to the UK
You can still register with a GP. It’s free to use and your immigration status does not affect your right to register with a GP.
If you are away from home but still in the UK
If you are away from home for more than 24 hours (but less than 3 months), you can register as a temporary patient near where you’re staying.
You can also change your nominated pharmacy so you can get your medicine nearby. You can do this by contacting your practice or via the NHS App.
Do general practices charge for anything?
NHS GP services are free. Sometimes, if you ask the GP to do private work (like writing a letter for insurance), they may charge a fee.
How should everyone be treated?
The practice should treat everyone fairly, kindly and respectfully. Likewise, you should also treat staff with respect. The practice can remove patients from their list if they are violent or abusive to staff.
To learn more about your rights, you can read the NHS Constitution (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-constitution-for-england/thenhs-constitution-for-england)
How can you help your general practice?
- Be prepared: Before an appointment, think about writing down your symptoms, what you are worried about and what you want to talk about.
- Be on time: Being late for an appointment or being unavailable for a timed call-back can affect other patients.
- Cancel if needed: If you can’t go to your appointment, tell the practice as soon as you can, so that they can offer it to someone else.
- Use the NHS App or website: If you’re confident using smart phones or computers, you can book or cancel appointments, order repeat
prescriptions, and see your test results online. - Turn on notifications: If you use the NHS App, turn on notifications so the practice can contact you more easily. Please keep an eye out for
messages. - Order repeat medicines on time: Make sure you ask for repeat prescriptions on time, so you don’t run out, and only order what you need.
- Join the Patient Participation Group: You practice will have a group of patients who can offer feedback on the services it delivers. Your practice website should explain how you can join.
How can you give feedback or raise concerns?
If you want to give feedback, raise a concern or wish to make a formal complaint, ask to speak to the practice manager. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, contact your integrated care board (ICB) – the local NHS body that oversees GPs practices. You can find your local integrated care on the NHS England website (https://www.england.nhs.uk/contact-us/about-nhs-services/contact-your-localintegrated-care-board-icb/).
You can also give feedback about your practice to your local Healthwatch. Their job is to make sure NHS leaders and other decision-makers hear your voice and use your feedback to improve care. Healthwatch is independent and impartial, and any information you share with them is confidential. To find your local Healthwatch visit the Healthwatch website (https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/yourlocal-healthwatch/list).
Publication reference: PRN01907
Translated versions
Arabic – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practicearabic/)
Italian – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practiceitalian/)
Bengali – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practicebengali/)
Dutch – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practicedutch/)
Czech – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practiceczech/)
Polish – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practicepolish/)
Chittagonean – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practicechittagonean/)
Portuguese – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practiceportuguese/)
German – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practicegerman/)
Romanian – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practiceromanian/)
Greek – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practicegreek/)
Sylheti – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practicesylheti/)
Spanish – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practicespanish/)
Turkish – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practiceturkish/)
French – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practicefrench/)
Urdu – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practiceurdu/)
Gujarati – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practicegujarati/)
Chinese – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practicechinese/)
Hindi – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practicehindi/)
Punjabi – (https://www.england.nhs.uk/longread/you-and-your-general-practicepunjabi/)
Date published: 19 August, 2025
Date last updated: 20 August, 2025
Research
Overview
As well being committed to improving the care our own patients receive, we also believe in helping the progress of medicine in general. We have joined the National Institute for Health Research as a ‘research ready practice’ and have been approved by the Royal College of General Practitioners.
By being part of this network we hope to help develop medical research within primary care. This can mean supporting research studies and clinical trials, collecting data and working in partnership with other practices and NHS organisations.
What does this mean for patients?
It simply means that occasionally we could ask you if you would be interested in participating in some research, in the same way you might be asked if you go to a local hospital. However, you do not have to take part if you do not want to.
Shared Care with Private Providers
Private Shared Care, Prescribing, Tests and Referrals Policy.
Woodhouse Medical Practice are aware that elements of shared care between NHS and private providers including prescribing, tests, investigations, and referrals can be confusing. It is not always clear how systems operate and what rules NHS GP’s must follow. Hopefully this guidance will clarify these scenarios.
Please ensure you read the below information in advance of attending any private appointments so you are clear in terms of where private and NHS practice cross and allow you to understand the rules that limit what we can do regarding medication or care requested by the private sector.
Please note that as a Practice we do not routinely enter into private shared care agreements.
Woodhouse Medical Practice’s full policy regarding private shared care can be found below:
Zero Tolerance
A zero tolerance policy towards violent, threatening and abusive behaviour is now in place throughout the NHS. The doctors, nurses and staff in this practice have the right to do their work in an environment free from violent, threatening or abusive behaviour and everything will be done to protect that right.
At no time will any such behaviour be tolerated in this practice. If you do not respect the rights of our staff we may choose to inform the police and make arrangements for you to be removed from our medical list.