PATIENT SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDANCE

At Ide Lane Surgery we have a Facebook page which provides a range of useful information for our patient population.
Ide Lane Surgery has a duty to maintain patient confidentiality and to safeguard vulnerable patients. You can help us to achieve this by adhering to the code of conduct outlined in this policy.

Patients at Ide Lane Surgery are expected to adhere to the following code of conduct at all times:

• The organisation 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, except when agreed with your clinician.
• Patients are not permitted to disclose any patient-identifiable information about other patients, unless they have the express consent of that patient.
• Whilst not encouraged, patients may record their consultation, but this should be agreed with your clinician. This recording will solely be for your own purpose.
• Patients must not post any material that is inaccurate, fraudulent, harassing, embarrassing, obscene, defamatory, or unlawful. Any such posts on the organisation Facebook page will be deleted and the post reported.
• Patients are not permitted to take photographs in the waiting room or areas where other patients are present, nor are photographs of staff permitted to be taken.
• Patents must not post comments on social media that identify any staff.
• Patients are able to leave a review about Ide Lane Surgery. The page will enable the practice manager to respond appropriately.
• Defamatory comments about our team are not to be shared on any social media platform. Legal advice will be sought, and the appropriate action taken against any patient who posts defamatory comments