OUR NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM
We have switched to a new and better phone system at the surgery.
Please note that all calls are now recorded to help us review and improve services, monitor and review the quality of care, and train, develop and manage staff and medical trainees
Call recording also helps us to prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute allegations, complaints, claims and / or fraud relating to patients, other organisations, or our staff
It will also help to protect staff and patients from abuse.
We do this in the interests of offering a good service to our service users, patient safety, being a good employer and to protect public funds.
How will call recordings be used?
Quality monitoring: Written records only provide partial information. A call recording provides a more rounded view and allows us to better understand patient and staff experience and assess the processes applied. This can help us identify any improvement areas.
Training and development: Listening to a sample number of calls allows managers to identify training needs. Call recordings may also be used as part of training for medical students, GP registrars and other clinical staff in training at the practice. This is part of their clinical skills development.
Gaining a better understanding of our patients: Many calls are verbally resolved without the need to complete records. Listening to sample calls will help us better understand our patient and staff needs and gain a more informed view of organisations we signpost to.
Complaints and disputes: Some calls are verbally resolved. Where information is entered onto an electronic system this becomes the established record. In the event of a complaint or dispute, a call recording (if possible), may provide additional information to help us investigate and resolve
Employee safety and wellbeing: A recording may become a vital piece of evidence in the event of any threats being made to the organisation or an individual or in dealing with employment-related matters.
How your information is shared
Generally, call recordings are not shared. In certain circumstances, for example to comply with a court order or carry out a legislative requirement, we may share call recordings.
How long we keep your call recording?
General call recordings will be retained for up to 36 months from the date of creation. The retention period is in line with the Records Management Code of Practice for Health and Social Care 2016.
Can I request a copy of my call record?
If the recording is still available, you can request a copy of your conversation by contacting the surgery. This information will be provided to you in accordance with the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998.