2017: Description of my meds read out loud at Docs?

[craigten]

Hi all,

I recently sent a SAR to my local Doctors surgery following a long dispute with their Practice Manager over an issue at one of their surgeries. This culminated in a hearing where the PM apologised to me but this took a lot of pushing by me and had to involve the local health board.

I have received their reply today stating that being as I have moved surgeries, they no longer have access to my medical records so they 'cannot comply with your request'.

 

Now, what action should I take? It's tempting to ask them to actually read the detail in my SAR (emails, internal memos, etc) but I'm thinking do I have to print something out like how businesses have to deal with a SAR?

[AndyOrch]

May be of interest to you...

 

http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/your-practice/practice-topics/management/how-to-handle-subject-access-requests-under-the-new-data-regulations/20036599.article

 

Andy

[craigten]

This is brilliant! Thank you.

[craigten]

Update: Following my letter with a print out of how Doctors' surgeries should deal with SARs, sent on 14th March, and another letter sent last Friday, I have still yet to receive a response. The original SAR was sent via recorded delivery on 28th February. Is my only recourse to report to the ICO? 

 

Further to this, what do the ICO actually do in these circumstances?

 

Thank you.

[stu007]

NHS Subject Access Request Information.

 

NHS England
https://digital.nhs.uk/about-nhs-digital/corporate-information-and-documents/publication-scheme/how-to-make-a-subject-access-request

 

NHS Scotland
https://nhsnss.org/services/practitioner/medical/medical-records/access-to-medical-records/

 

NHS Wales
https://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/lifestylewellbeing/Yourinfoobtaininfo

 

NHS Northen Ireland
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/accessing-medical-or-health-and-social-care-records

 

Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA)
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2018/12/contents/enacted

 

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/priorities/justice-and-fundamental-rights/data-protection/2018-reform-eu-data-protection-rules_en

 

This link breaks down the different Articles within the GDPR
http://www.privacy-regulation.eu/en/index.htm

[craigten]

Hi all,

In early 2017, I went to my local Doctors surgery to pick up my pills and, not for the first time, the receptionist read out what meds I was on in front of the rest of the (quiet) waiting room. This embarrassed and annoyed me so complained and I eventually got a meeting with the Practice Manager and one of the lead Doctors where they reluctantly apologised and did the usual promise of training, etc.

Later that year it happened again.

 

Being as this was pre-GDPR, is a claim of breach of my privacy possible? (I hear that it is still going on at the surgery!)

[king12345]

Play their game.

I suppose it's the same receptionist doing it, so what about saying something embarrassing?

i.e. walk in and very politely say: "oh, good afternoon,  how's your hemorrhoid today? You looked like a ghost yesterday"

[craigten]

Ha, I enjoyed this! However, can anyone advise re making a claim for breach of privacy?

[king12345]

It would be a very lengthy and difficult task. You would need proof that this has happened and has impacted on you negatively, morally or financially.

IMO certain things must be dealt with on the spot.

For example,  if she started reading out something you don't want others to know, tell her to shut up.

Make a scene, tell her off in front of everyone,  firmly but politely, without swearing or threatening. 

I'm sure this would be sufficient to let them learn that you don't like publicity about your personal matters and they'll stop.

Done and dusted.

[craigten]

Thank you.

Re evidence of this happening, they did admit it in addition to a letter I have from the Chief Executive of the County Health Board confirning it happened and the date?

[stu007]

From what you have stated and your last post the letter from the Health Board I assume is for the initial incident where you complained. (if I am incorrect please correct)

 

The second incident the same year did you make another complaint about that incident to the surgery and health board? (if no complaint made then surgery & health board would be unaware)

 

As these incidents happened in 2017 why have you waited till now to consider action and what outcome are you looking for? (from your posts is seems you want monetary compensation again if I am incorrect please correct)