Test Results Policy

When you attend for a test of any kind you will be told how long you should expect to wait for the results. Please bear this in mind and call the Surgery once sufficient time has elapsed.

Please call between 12:30pm and 3:30pm to enquire about your test results as our reception staff will have more time to deal with your request between these times.

You will be asked for some personal details when calling, this is to confirm your identity. The receptionist has the right to refuse the release of medical information if he/she feels that it does not pertain to the person calling. We hope that our patients find our high standards of confidentiality satisfactory regarding releasing this type of information.

We will always contact you if there is cause for concern with a result. Normally we will write to you with instructions on what action to take – normally this is to make an appointment with your GP to discuss your recent tests. Please do not be alarmed if you receive a letter like this – it does not necessarily mean it is serious if the result needs a discussion. If your result reveals that urgent action is needed your GP will try and telephone you rather than writing a letter.

If the test was arranged by your hospital consultant

If your test has been carried out at a Clinic or Hospital please call the Clinic or Hospital for the result, as we cannot action tests which have been requested by other Clinicians outside the practice. If the consultant’s secretary or colleague inform you that they will send the results to your GP, explain that you want the results from the specialist who arranged them who is in by far the best place to give appropriate advice.

Our Reception staff are not qualified to comment on results therefore it is your responsibility to check them and make any necessary follow-up appointment with the Doctor.

Please note that we do have a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection. In this respect we will only give out results to the person they relate to unless that person has given prior permission for their release or if they are not capable of understanding them.