We would consider ourselves to be towards the 'forefront' of innovation in primary care, both in terms of the investment in computers where we are almost paper free (nothing short of a miracle in the present NHS!), our management of medical problems and in the way we respond to the needs of our client base.

There is a strong ethos of education within the whole practice, thus you may come across several types of people working with us:

• Medical students: it is very important for doctors in training to be able to see what life is like in the 'real world' away from high technology teaching hospitals, if however, you would prefer the student to leave a consultation, just mention it to the receptionist, they will 'disappear'. Drs Jones and Moroney are both involved as lecturers in the Hull and York Medical School (HYMS).
• GP registrars: GPR's are fully qualified doctors, who are specialising in General Practice. The practice is considered to be of a sufficiently high standard for them to be attached for periods of 6 months at a time. Since the timing of GP attachments vary, each GPR is at a different stage of training, thus some are more confident than others: all are supervised by their personal trainer (either Dr. Jones or Dr. Ashley)
• Other doctors: Occasionally doctors come to visit the practice, to see different ways of approaching problems: anything seen relating to patients is of course, totally confidential. We are also subject to regular inspections by other doctors to ensure that we stay up to the standards required to be 'training practices'.
• Student counsellors: we often provide accommodation for people, who are studying for the counselling qualifications from St. John's College. These people are in their final year, and need clinical experience: they are supervised, via their lecturers.
• Student nurses: these can be attached to either the practice or district nurses, as well as the health visitors.

Videoing:

As part of our own, as well as our GPR's further training, we occasionally video record consultations: this is always done with your written consent, and you will be warned about it before it happens.

If you are not happy, just say so, and the recorder can be switched off: indeed if you are not happy at any stage the recording can be stopped and erased.

The normal rules of confidentiality apply and they are erased as soon as they have been used.

Remember if you are asked to partake in a video consultation that we are looking at the doctor, not at you!

Medical Research:

The practice is much in favour of medical research, and tries to get involved.

We are currently working in conjunction with the University of York, looking at several interesting areas including minor surgery carried out by the doctors, treating depression in primary care, and the management of knee problems.

If you are asked to take part in this valuable research your written consent will be obtained, and the results are totally anonymous.

Confidentiality:

Both clinical and office staff appreciate and respect the importance of maintaining absolute confidentiality.

No information relating to you will be given to anyone else, including your own family, unless you provide us with specific instruction to do so.

Medical records:

Your medical records are stored both on the Practice computer and in manual records. No other agency or group has a right to, nor do we allow, any access to your records without your written permission. In the interest of maintaining the quality of medical records we have arranged for GPs, via the Postgraduate Medical Education Centre, Leeds University, to review our note keeping on a regular basis.

You however, have the legal right, which we feel it is important to support and encourage, to see any of the information we hold relating to you.

During a consultation you will be able to see some of the information relating to you. If you would like more information, please ask the reception staff to arrange this as we do need at least two days notice.

Revalidation:

There is much talk at the moment about the need for doctors to show their competence to practice: this practice is totally committed to this concept: indeed Dr. Moroney (in his capacity as Continuing Medical Education Tutor to the York PCT), has been responsible for implementing much of the work that goes on in this area.

Drs Jones and Ashley are also involved in the appraisal of other GP's in the area

Patient group:

We are in the process of forming a patient participation group: if you are interested please contact Ms. Di Ruston, the practice manager.

Patient Complaints Procedure:

We take observations and complaints about Minster Health very seriously, as these are excellent ways of improving the service we offer.

There is a full 'in house' complaints procedure, which is administered by the Practice Manager.

If you would like a copy of the practice leaflet entitled 'Complaints Procedure', please ask at reception, or simply write to the Practice Manager