The documents listed below can be downloaded as pdf documents and are also available on application to the Practice Manager.

• Abbey Surgery – GDPR Poster
• GDPR – How Abbey Surgery uses your information to provide you with healthcare.
• GDPR – How your information is shared
• GDPR – How your information is used for medical research and to measure the quality of care
• Privacy Notice

Devon and Cornwall Care Record

Health and social care services in Devon and Cornwall have developed a system to share patient data efficiently and quickly and, ultimately, improve the care you receive.

This shared system is called the Devon and Cornwall Care Record.

It’s important that anyone treating you has access to your shared record so they have all the information they need to care for you. This applies to your routine appointments and also in urgent situations such as going to A&E, calling 111 or going to an out-of-hours appointment.

It’s also quicker for staff to access a shared record than to try to contact other staff by phone or email.

Only authorised health and care staff can access the Devon and Cornwall Care Record and the information they see is carefully checked so that it relates to their job. Also, systems do not share all your data – just data that services have agreed is necessary to include.

For more information about the Devon and Cornwall Care Record, please go to https://www.devonandcornwallcarerecord.nhs.uk/

This Healthcare Organisation is working together with the University of Plymouth, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry to host students (Medical, Dental and / or Physician Associate) to assist with their learning. You may be asked to talk to or be seen by a student either with the doctor or nurse or on their own. The student will introduce him or herself and ask to discuss your medical problem and examine you.

Students are supervised at all times by the placement supervisor and a health care professional, usually your doctor. Like qualified practitioners, the students guarantee your privacy and confidentiality. You may find helping students in their learning interesting and stimulating.

The students and the Faculty appreciate your contribution to the education of future doctors, dentists and physician associates. If you would like to make any comment or have further questions, please speak to a member of staff.

Do patients have to accept?

If at any stage you DO NOT wish to be seen by the Medical, Dental or Physician Associate student you may decline the offer. You DO NOT have to give a reason and your care will not be affected in any way.

We do not prescribe Diazepam or other sedative medications for fear of flying. This will apply to other situations, such as for MRI scans, Dental or other medical procedures. This decision is based on several important medical, legal, and safety considerations:

Medical Risks

• Impaired Awareness & Safety – Diazepam is a sedative that can impair concentration, reaction time, and decision-making. In an emergency, this could put both you and others at risk.
• Increased Risk of Blood Clots (DVT) – Sedative medications reduce movement during sleep, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be life-threatening. This risk is higher on long flights (over four hours).
• Unpredictable Reactions – While most people experience sedation, some may have the opposite reaction, leading to agitation, aggression, or disinhibition, which could compromise safety and lead to legal consequences.

Legal & Prescribing Guidelines

• Not Recommended for Phobias – National prescribing guidelines do not support the use of benzodiazepines for phobias, including fear of flying. These medications are only licensed for short-term use in cases of generalised anxiety disorder during a crisis.
• Legal Restrictions in Other Countries – Some countries classify Diazepam as a controlled substance. Carrying it could lead to confiscation or legal issues at your destination.
• Work & Drug Testing Considerations – Diazepam has a long half-life and can remain in your system for an extended period, potentially affecting drug tests required for certain jobs.

Alternative Support

We understand that fear of flying is a genuine and distressing condition. Instead of medication, we recommend considering a Fear of Flying Course, which is offered by several airlines. These courses provide evidence-based coping strategies, are safer, and offer long-term benefits beyond a single flight.

https://patient.info/news-and-features/how-to-manage-flight-anxiety