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Do the DWP have access to my medical records?

GenghisKhan86
GenghisKhan86 Posts: 37 Forumite
edited 2 January 2014 at 3:01PM in Benefits & tax credits
Ok I've recently been transferred from long term incapacity benefit to ESA (Work Related Activity Group). Now I have no problems with the DWP being able to access my medical records with regards to the specific illnesses that I am claiming for but I concerned that the DWP will have all my medical history on file. I Know a number of people indirectly who work for the DWP/jobseekers and I definitely wouldn't want them having access to this information...so am I worrying unnecessarily?

Comments

  • cattie
    cattie Posts: 8,844 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    No they don't. They can write to your doctor for specific information regarding an illness/disability you are making a claim for, but don't get access to your medical history. So stop worrying & relax.
    The bigger the bargain, the better I feel.

    I should mention that there's only one of me, don't confuse me with others of the same name.
  • rogerblack
    rogerblack Posts: 9,446 Forumite
    cattie wrote: »
    No they don't. They can write to your doctor for specific information regarding an illness/disability you are making a claim for, but don't get access to your medical history. So stop worrying & relax.

    In addition, your average DWP employee has no access to random files, even if this was a concern.
    Only decisionmakers who are making a decision on the file.

    People employed in other capacities who are asked to do something with the client - for example - work focussed interviews - will have extremely limited information. They do not have access to the medical records.
  • That's brilliant. Thanks guys!
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