Pre employment medical

rearviewmirror

I have a medical for a new job on tuesday and have a question that I was hoping the people on the forum might be able to help with.

I was wondering if the new company will be able to get access to my medical records as part of the medical and do I have any right not to allow access to them.

The reason I ask is that I had a brief period of anxiety attacks when I was in the forces, however I left 6 years ago and haven't been bothered with them since, it was brought on by a boss I had at the time. I am fairly sure that if I admit to this in the medical that I wont get the job. Since I left the forces I haven't had to attend the doctor for any reason and haven't had a day off sick. I know that i can do the job very well as it is similar to my current job.

I'd really like my new employer not to know anything about this, I don't even know if it is recorded on file but dont have time to see my records as the surgery is closed on monday and I will have to set off early on tuesday to attend the medical.

Many thanks in advance for any replies

LittleVoice

They certainly can't see your records without your explicit consent.

They would have to contact your GP and show proof of your agreement. I believe your GP can be asked to let you see what would be released before releasing the data.

[Deleted User]

As I understand it under the Data Protection Act your medical records cannot be accessed without your explicit consent.

However, I honestly don't think you have a problem even if they did find out about the stress from so long ago. I had a medical in June 2008 last year - this was after a short visit to the Priory for addiction issues 18 months before. The medic passed me as fit to work and didn't pass the specifics of the medical to HR so I'm not labelled as anything other than my job title.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

hayley11

You would have to sign a medical declaration giving them permission to write to your doctor and ask specific questions, they don't just get a copy of your whole medical record. You have the option to see the report before it is sent and if there is anything you're not happy with then you can always speak to your doctor about it, make sure it's relevant etc.

rearviewmirror

many thanks for the replies, you have put my mind at rest. I'd hate to lose out on this job because of this.

Emmzi

work related stress 6 year ago and no recurrance since left evil boss - would give me no issues at all, I would employ.

It's very different from ongoing general anxiety requiring time off on a regular basis.