Boss wants to contact doctor in regards to being off work HELP

Denning.

AP007 wrote: »

That may be the case but you have to give approval for them to write the letter and if you don't the co may wonder why.

Let them wonder. I would demand all information requests to go through me, no permission to directly contact my GP. Which is not unreasonable, medical confidentiality is highly valued by law.

ValHaller

If you are minded to allow some contact for the sake of your employer, but really do not want your boss involved with your GP, I suggest that you tell your boss that you will see the company doctor and give them permission to contact your doctor.

LittleVoice

elsien wrote: »

It is standard practice in my company to ask for GP access when people have been off sick for a certain length of time. This is so that when we refer to occupational health to get advice on phased return, reasonable adjustments etc they have the relevant information to work with. Just so as you know it's not necessarily a bad thing. We ask the person's permission verbally, then follow it up with a written consent form so that everyone knows where they stand.

I think you get the written consent because without it you wouldn't get information from the doctor.

Spirit_2

I am sorry for your loss.

You GP is unlikley to speak to your boss, communication (with your permission) is most likely to be in writing. For your boss seeking advice about adjustments and return to work issues I would expect your companys occupational health advisors to provide that.

There is a point where if (even in tragic circumstances) a business cannot cope with the absence any longer they may need to consider replacing someone who is off long term sick, are they trying to gauge the likliehood of you being able to return?

gibson123

I am so sorry you lost your baby. Please do not look more into this than is required. Your doctor will have your best interests at heart, so make an appointment and speak to him about this recent development. The doctor knows it is best for you to get well and get back to work and that this is done in the right order, well --- then work, however there is a bit of a period when you first try going back where you may require adjustments, if this is the reason your employer wants to speak to your doctor then I would not worry unduly.

paulineb_2

He cant give out any information about people without the patients permission.

They can however ask you to sign a disclaimer asking for permission for your GP to give a report about your health.

Flugelhorn

many companies prefer to use an occupational health service - tends to be better for employee and GP as there is a risk that info from the GP (even though the employee has given consent) can damage the doctor - patient relationship in the future.

paulineb_2

Some companies dont have occupational health schemes, Ive worked for several who dont.

And Im not saying this is the case here, but someone close to me works for an organisation that uses occupational health as the first step to disciplinary. A very big employer, that saddens me somewhat.

Ive had to in the past sign a disclaimer and be seen by a GP of my employers choosing, when Ive been pushed to go back to work when I was off ill and wasnt ready and Im sure at that point my ex employer were trying to get rid of me. They didnt in the end, but I appreciate what you are saying about unsupportive employers, some dont give you the support you need in tough times.