Request for medical records

*Scarlett

Hi everyone.

I have been off work for approx 5 weeks following an appendix operation. All doctors certs have been sent to my employer.

I have received a letter from my employer requesting my medical records as I am now classed as on "long term" sick leave as my absence has been more than 4 weeks. They also offer the alternative to attend an independent medical assessment with the company doctor.

I expect to return to work in the new year so is this really necessary?

Whilst I have no objection to my employer seeing the information relating to this condition, I do not want to give them unlimited access to my medical records. The letter requests " Authorisation for disclosure of medical information relevant to employment".

The form states "I hereby consent to a medical report being supplied in confidence to my employer" so can I assume that if I do agree to it this, it will be a one off and does not give on going consent to access my medical records.

My employer is closed at the minute or I would ring them to clarify and this is concerning me.

Thanks for any advice.

SarEl

This is fairly normal and the GP should only tell the employer what they need to know about this period of sickness and any conditions about returning to work. You can ask the doctor to let you see what they say before it is sent.

Emmzi

I agree, this is normal. But if you are worried just see the company doctor instead.

Bigmoney2

Emmzi wrote: »

I agree, this is normal. But if you are worried just see the company doctor instead.

Company doctor will also be best placed to advise on reasonable adjustments/ light duties etc to facilitate your return. Its often required to see company doc after long term sick for just this reason as well as the report fronm your own doc.