There are many social media platforms that are widely used by both staff and patients; these include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. At Houghton Close Surgery we have a Facebook page and Google business page, which provide a range of useful information for our patient population.

Houghton Close Surgery has a duty to maintain patient confidentiality and to safeguard vulnerable patients. You can help us achieve this by adhering to the code of conduct outlined in this policy.

Patients at Houghton Close Surgery are expected to adhere to the following code of conduct at all times:

• The practice requires all users of portable devices to use them in a courteous and considerate manner, respecting their fellow patients. Portable devices are not to be used during consultations.
• Patients are not permitted to disclose any patient-identifiable information about other patients, unless they have the express consent of that patient.
• Patients must not post any material that is inaccurate, fraudulent, harassing, embarrassing, obscene, defamatory or unlawful. The practice will ask the patient to immediately remove any such posts. If this is not complied with the practice will deem this as a breakdown in practice/patient relationship and a warning letter will be issued to the patient. Should the post not be removed or there are further occurrences the patient will be asked to re-register with another practice.
• Defamatory comments about our team are not to be shared on any social media platform. Legal advice may be sought, and the appropriate action taken against any patient who posts defamatory comments.
• Patients are not permitted to take photographs in the waiting room or areas where other patients are present, nor are photographs of staff permitted.
• Patients must not post comments on social media that identify staff who work at the practice.

Patient complaints on social media

We have a separate complaints policy which patients are to use, should they wish to make a complaint please visit out website or ask our reception team for the complaints process.