Practice policy and guidance to patients to help us to support your care

Posted on December 5th, 2025

Sometimes patients miss opportunities for us to support their care, and this may affect how well your healthcare is managed and supported by our team.

Those that DO NOT regularly attend for their Long-Term Condition reviews or medication reviews will be subject to our non-compliance protocols in this area :

What is the doctor’s role?

A doctor’s primary concern is to do their best for their patients; this includes giving advice and treatment and arranging investigations in accordance with the current evidence base and the patient’s best interests.

Why can non-compliant patients present difficulties?

All practices will have a cohort of patients whose autonomous choices conflict with the suggested course of action of their doctor. Given that there is no obligation to provide a treatment requested by a patient that is not to their overall benefit, this can give rise to clashes between doctor and patient.

What are the commonest scenarios in relation to non-compliance?

• A patient has been started on a treatment but declines to attend for subsequent review and/or monitoring checks. This scenario puts a GP in an invidious position, in that a decision has already been taken that it is in the patient’s best interests to commence a particular treatment. This can create a new risk that must be balanced when judging what is in the best interests of the patient.
• A patient who declines the investigation or treatment of symptoms with a potentially serious and/or treatable underlying cause.

After a failed review you will receive a letter regarding your compliance and a further opportunity for discussion . there may be rare occasions that we might find it hard to look after you if you do not work with the practice team.

This is of course a last resort; you are a very important member of your healthcare team.  To be involved in your own health care may mean for you, or your family member, to take part in every decision possible.

This will give you greater control over your situation. It will also help to ensure your health choices are influenced by what matters most to you.