Medical info requested by Employer!!!!

LadyMissA

gingergee wrote: »

Think i needed to vent tbh. My company are not easy to dea with, hence me going above my branch and speaking to head office. Im more than willing to let them get whatever from my doctor, as long as its regarding why im off work! Not that i went a week last friday for pile cream or what contraception im on etc.... this is what im worried about. I have lupus nephritus !!!!!!, not exactly something i can make up!!!

They are probably asking as they have no idea what that is.

They can not ask about stuff that's not related to the sickness that is preventing you going to work. Like I have said here but hey don't listen to me as stated above (as it happened to me once) the doctor will call to make an appointment to see you as soon as they get a request for this info.

Googlewhacker

LadyMissA wrote: »

They are probably asking as they have no idea what that is.

They can not ask about stuff that's not related to the sickness that is preventing you going to work. Like I have said here but hey don't listen to me as stated above (as it happened to me once) the doctor will call to make an appointment to see you as soon as they get a request for this info.

Only as long as the OP requests to see the report before hand, she could opt out but there is little point in this

LadyMissA

Googlewhacker wrote: »

Only as long as the OP requests to see the report before hand, she could opt out but there is little point in this

no the generally do call you to see what it's all about.

Googlewhacker

LadyMissA wrote: »

no the generally do call you to see what it's all about.

How many have you experienced to know that's true?

duchy

Companies get a bit carried away sometimes -My job just got TUPE'd and the new company have sent me a pile of paperwork including a racial profiling questionaire which is illegal to demand completion in England (but the opposite in NI) and and an endless medical questionaire with some ridiculous questions that have no relevence to my job whatsoever (the best one is can I use a lift-I work from home !!!!!!)

OP Just speak to your doctor and tell them you only want relevent personal data disclosed and want to see it first-and then follow up with a letter confirming the conversation-I certainly wouldn't rely on the word of a faceless forum user who doesn't even understand the function of a union's word that doctors "usually" contact you. Take control of the situation and make SURE !

gingergee

They want me, to meet them tomorrow, to sign it. x

LadyMissA

Googlewhacker wrote: »

How many have you experienced to know that's true?

2 and no I guess I do not know that's true at all

theoldcynic

This site says a bit more about it...

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2313.aspx?CategoryID=68&SubCategoryID=160

As far as I recall your employer can only ask for information regarding your capability of work connected to this employment and possible time scales of sickness. I think they would find it hard to qualify having to know about having had a prescription for pile cream in relation to your employment if that is not why you are off work.

When I had an access to medical history request from my employer I was able to look at the report which my GP read out to me before it was sent and request any changes. There are a few exclusions to this such as if the GP thinks any of the information is detrimental for you to know.

My GP was very particular and frugal (but truthful) with details as he did not want to jeopardise my ongoing or future employment, and the letter was very focused and brief relating to my capability/incapability to work. He answered direct questions with direct answers and did not expand if not required to.

If it is related to any health insurance you have with your employer then they may be able to have access to more of your records, but this 'should' be death with through the health insurance company.

This all relates to the Access to Medical Records Act 1988...type that into a search engine and you will find more information about yours and your employers rights in this situation.

Your employer should give you three options... refuse to sign the form, sign it but you have the option of seeing the GPs report first, or allow them access to it without you seeing it.

Sambucus_Nigra

gingergee wrote: »

They want me, to meet them tomorrow, to sign it. x

Don't sign it - take it away with you as you are getting legal advice on it. Chances are it should say something about contacting your GP for information relating to your condition. And make sure you sign to say you want to read it before it gets sent.

GrannyKate

Agree with much of what has been said. This is generally covered by the Data Protection Act 1998 (Access to Health Records Act now only applies to records of deceased patients) but doctors also work to very comprehensive guidance from their professional bodies and are very very cautious about releasing records. The doctor is most likely to write a report specifically related to your current disability and the reasons why it effects your ability to work and the short and long term prognosis. He will not just print off your records and send them to your employer. You can ask for a copy of the report before it is sent and I would suggest speaking now to the Practice Manager at the surgery explaining your concerns and I am sure she/he will put your mind at rest on this.

Hope this helps.

ps I have 25 years experience in the management of access to health records.