David Lock

Is a GP allowed to pass a patient's personal details to a hospital department for a referral without telling patient or asking permission. Note this was not for some urgent medical need where immediate specialist attention was required?

Thanks, David

john banks

It doesn't sound ideal practice, but probably isn't a breach of confidentiality although the context is important. I sometimes do a referral based on a result and write to the patient at the same time explaining and offering to discuss if they wish. Usually this would be when it is very obvious or has already been discussed, and a face to face consultation doesn't add anything for me or the patient.

The urgent situation is different and I'll often be unable to contact a patient over holiday periods but still make an urgent referral without waiting to discuss, but leave messages to call me and/or write.

Generally though, communication solves these issues.

PaulC72

good question I would have thought the patient should be told as they will have to goto the appointment when made.

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

It's not against the Data Protection Act or a breach of confidentiality.......just a missed opportunity for communication with you most likely.

As a Hospital Consultant I often get referrals where someone has been sent for an x-ray and something shows up so I get the referral and the patient gets a note of the referral to me somewhere along the line..........

Shaun

David Lock

Thanks JB, Paul and Shaun. Looks like this was not a breach then.

The patient had gone to see the GP about some very minor matter but this other issue was mentioned out of the blue and GP said she would be sending a leaflet and more information in the post. Instead of this she had contacted a hospital department who phoned to offer an appointment. I think this is a breach of confidentiality as patient would never have given permission for this to happen and is extremely upset that it did. Hence my question. David

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

Material traveling around the NHS and the secure NHS-net e-mail system is confidential so there is no actual breach of confidentiality.......

Lack of communication really.

Shaun

David Lock

Or too much communication

d

john banks

It seems that at least two people think a hospital appointment may be beneficial? They could have communicated it to the patient, but it might be worthwhile. If you are able to say, why is the patient upset?