Occupational Doctor writing to GP without consent

lexa

I had attended an occupational doctor at the request of my employer a while ago and I assume they wrote a report to my employer.
However my GP called me to advise me that the occupational doctor had written to them seeking a report from them about me. My GP ignored the initial request but they have persisted and followed up a few times now which is why my GP called me to tell me about this. I was pretty upset and annoyed when I heard.

Does an occupational doctor have a right to request such a report from your GP? I'm fairly certain I did not consent to this. My GP said it was quite unusual also. I told my GP to ignore the request anyway and advised him that he didn't have my consent to write to the occupational doctor.

Can you advise if the occupational doctor has any right to write to my GP without my consent?

Thanks

Gael23

Your GP can't and won't give them any information about you I suppose it won't stop the letters but they will never get what they want without your consent.

lexa

1. Is it unprofessional of the Company/Occupational Doctor to write to my GP in the first place?

2. Does my employer have any responsibility here? They sent me to this doctor and as a result of this the Company nominated doctor has written to my GP.

I don't really understand why they are still following up with my GP as I attended the company doctor over 3 months ago and I assume they wrote a report to my employer 3 months ago. I would have expected that to be the end of things.

coylemj

lexa wrote: »

Can you advise if the occupational doctor has any right to write to my GP without my consent?

The issue is not whether the occupational doctor has to right to request the data, it's whether your GP can hand over the data without your consent and clearly he/she is not prepared to do so. I can't see why you have an issue with this.

Has this anything to do with a claim arising out of an injury or stress-related illness sustained at work by any chance?

lexa

I suppose I'm wondering why they wrote to my GP in the first place without consent. It seems a bit intrusive and unnecessary. The purpose of the visit to the company doctor was for them to give an independent opinion.

And then I am also wondering why they are persisting with this. This issue has long been resolved. It was a stress related issue but I've been back at work for months now. Why would the company doctor (a private firm engaged by my employer) continue to follow up with my GP a couple of months after they supposedly wrote a report to my employer? Seems a bit odd to me.

McCrack

You're correct. It is inappropriate for the occupational dr to write to your GP seeking a report/information on your treatment without your consent to do so.

Your GP quite correctly refused.

Whilst inappropriate, I don't think it amounts to professional misconduct but you can check that yourself with the Medical Council.

lexa

Thanks for the responses.

Any idea if my employer has any responsibility here? I was thinking of mentioning it to HR as they set up the original appointnent.