Administration FAQ
Can my GP charge me for certain services?
GPs do not charge for basic NHS treatment for UK residents, although they may do so for certain categories of overseas visitor in non-emergency cases. Some GP services, such as travel vaccinations or medical reports for employers or insurance purposes, are not covered by the NHS and are charged for.
Am I entitled to see my Medical Records?
You are entitled to access your medical records under the Data Protection Act (1998). You can make a formal request to view your medical records in writing, to which the practice must respond within 40 days. Access can be refused under certain circumstances. Further information on obtaining access to your health records can be found under our leaflet 'Your information, Your rights'.
Where can I get archived GP records?
An information booklet created by NHS Wales discusses 'Your Information, Your Rights, What you need to know’.
Primary Care Services provide a range of services including archiving medical records for people who are not registered with a GP practice.
Contact information for their offices are available in full here. They will be able to signpost you to the most appropriate base. Records are currently held at the different bases throughout Wales depending on which is closest to the GP practice the patient was last registered with.
Can the secretaries’ action a referral for me?
No, you must have an appointment with a clinician so they can advise on the appropriate service for your medical needs.
Can the secretaries’ action an expedite of a referral?
No, an appointment must be made with a clinician to assess you clinically as to why an expedite would be needed.
Useful Numbers and Links
For further information about GPs and their services, please telephone NHS 111 Wales and speak to a Health Information Adviser or use our?Online Enquiry Service.
What should I do if I want to complain about my GP?
The NHS Wales operates an independent process for raising concerns and complaints called ‘Putting Things Right’ More information on the ‘Putting Things Right’ process can be found here.
Under Putting Things Right, if you wish to complain about any aspect of the services provided by your GP practice, you should raise these concerns directly with your GP practice, or via the practice manager, within 12 months of the incident or problem occurring. If you do not want to deal with the practice directly, you can contact the concerns team at your local Health Board instead. Your local Community Health Council can also provide free confidential advice and support to patients who have a complaint about NHS services.
If you are not satisfied with the final response to your complaint, you can address your complaint directly to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. The Ombudsman is independent of all government bodies and the service provided is impartial and free of charge. You can find out more about the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales by viewing the website of The Public Service Ombudsman for Wales.