A hostile relative now working at GP practice I attend

vladmydad · 11-04-2021 6:09pm #1

I’ve just learned that a deeply nosy and nasty relative that I don’t speak to, is now working at my GP practice. It’s horrifying to think that this person has access to my deeply personal medical records. What should I do.

Necro · 11-04-2021 6:14pm

Mod: I think this would be better suited to the Personal Issues Forum, moving there for the local mods to review and reopen.

Rubberchikken · 11-04-2021 8:56pm

How do you know that this person would have access to your records?
I realise you don't like or trust this person but confidentiality is a major part of working in a doctors.

YellowLead · 11-04-2021 8:57pm

Is there any reason you think they would be interested???

I can’t see why unless there is something you are not sharing.

Tork · 11-04-2021 9:11pm

YellowLead wrote: »

Is there any reason you think they would be interested???

I can’t see why unless there is something you are not sharing.

I think a nosy relative would love nothing better than to take a look. I don't know what you can do really. I wouldn't like someone I dislike to look at my records, even though there is nothing of interest in there. The bigger question is, who in a medical practice has access to the records?

Jequ0n · 11-04-2021 9:15pm

Change GP and ask for your records to be transferred and deleted.

Purple Mountain · 11-04-2021 9:18pm

Jequ0n wrote: »

Change GP and ask for your records to be transferred and deleted.

That will definitely draw attention to the ops files because I assume its the admin person who'd have to prepare them for transfer ti new surgery.

Loveinapril · 11-04-2021 9:19pm

I would imagine that the only option would be to get a new GP. Do you know the role the relative will have? Would they have access to the files? I know in my GP practice the receptionists would have access to my prescriptions and would understand the reason for some visits (blood tests, ante natal, vaccinations etc.) so I imagine that would be typical.

Loveinapril · 11-04-2021 9:21pm

Purple Mountain wrote: »

That will definitely draw attention to the ops files because I assume its the admin person who'd have to prepare them for transfer ti new surgery.

In this case I would ask the specific GP to ensure the files are kept away from the person in question due to concerns about confidentiality.

Jequ0n · 11-04-2021 9:29pm

Loveinapril wrote: »

In this case I would ask the specific GP to ensure the files are kept away from the person in question due to concerns about confidentiality.

Rightly so by banging on about data privacy law. The OP might be over reacting and the relative is spot on but if there is a genuine risk of compromising information being leaked then the employer needs to be informed in written form and the concerns clearly stated

Tork · 11-04-2021 9:30pm

Loveinapril wrote: »

In this case I would ask the specific GP to ensure the files are kept away from the person in question due to concerns about confidentiality.

That's assuming the relative hasn't already had a good look at the records.

LilacNails · 11-04-2021 10:05pm

Does the relative know u are a patient there?

I was in a similar position before, I knew the receptionist and she knew me. For sure she looked at my records as I had an appointment at the time. All mental health related. If it were anything else I wouldn't care, but with mental health I definitely would feel judged.

I did mention it to the doctor, only she flobbed me off by saying she wouldn't be looking at them.

Just to clarify, receptionists do have access to patients files. It's part of their job putting records, letters, prescriptions together.

I obviously don't know what would be in your medical records, but if there isn't much don't stress over it. It's obviously really annoying but not much can be done.

One idea you could do, is write a letter to your doctor with "FAO Dr. Healy" On it. Explain the situation and maybe ask to change your name to an Irish spelling in the system? She wouldn't think to look u up like that. And if u do get in contact with the doctors again u simply spell out your name.

LilacNails · 11-04-2021 10:08pm

Loveinapril wrote: »

In this case I would ask the specific GP to ensure the files are kept away from the person in question due to concerns about confidentiality.

It's not that simple. Records are all on a computer software ware system, that receptionists work off of. They have full access due to their duties.

LilacNails · 11-04-2021 10:13pm

Purple Mountain wrote: »

That will definitely draw attention to the ops files because I assume its the admin person who'd have to prepare them for transfer ti new surgery.

This is very true.

Unless op writes a letter directly to the GP, asking them to "silently" transfer , without the relatives knowledge, the OPs records to the new one. All depends on the GP weather they will understand or not give a damn. I'm sure it can be done, and has been done before.

Jequ0n · 11-04-2021 10:24pm

LilacNails wrote: »

This is very true.

Unless op writes a letter directly to the GP, asking them to "silently" transfer , without the relatives knowledge, the OPs records to the new one. All depends on the GP weather they will understand or not give a damn. I'm sure it can be done, and has been done before.

Unless everyone involved is highly unprofessional you can bet that the GP will realise what’s at stake if information gets leaked after they have been formally informed about concerns.

Tork · 11-04-2021 10:28pm

Jequ0n wrote: »

Unless everyone involved is highly unprofessional you can bet that the GP will realise what’s at stake if information gets leaked after they have been formally informed about concerns.

That is assuming the relative hasn't had a good nose in the filing cabinet and the computer system already. Naturally, everyone is going to deny all knowledge. Switch GPs is the only option here. You'll never want to deal the place again if this person is behind the reception desk or answering the phone.

Purple Mountain · 11-04-2021 10:40pm

Jequ0n wrote: »

Unless everyone involved is highly unprofessional you can bet that the GP will realise what’s at stake if information gets leaked after they have been formally informed about concerns.

But what's to formally be informed?
We don't know if the new secretary has form with leaking information professionally or if it's just gossip outside of their professional life.

Jequ0n · 11-04-2021 10:45pm

Nobody can guarantee that the relative didn’t have a nose around yet and that’s not even the point. It doesn’t harm to remind what’s at stake here if they can’t be professional. The threat of not getting a work reference or a bad reputation is enough for lots of people

Tork · 11-04-2021 10:48pm

Unless the relative is stupid, they're going to keep shtum about anything they see in the OP's records. Sorry OP, this horse has bolted. Just move to another GP.

vladmydad · 11-04-2021 11:52pm

Apparently she starts work there tomorrow. My family learned of it today. We all attend this GP. We were horrified. There is mental health information etc (as we had a bereavement). There’s highly sensitive information that is deeply personal. We haven’t spoken to this person in 15 years. And yes she’s very nasty. It’s mortifying to think she can (as a receptionist) and will go through our records. I’m changing doctor immediately but it’ll take weeks.

Tork · 11-04-2021 11:56pm

A phone call to the GP first thing in the morning is the way to go here, I think. If tomorrow is her first day, she'll likely have somebody training her in and showing her the ropes for the first while. It might stop her getting a look at the records for a short while. Sorry this has happened to you, by the way.

vladmydad · 12-04-2021 12:02am

Tork wrote: »

A phone call to the GP first thing in the morning is the way to go here, I think. If tomorrow is her first day, she'll likely have somebody training her in and showing her the ropes for the first while. It might stop her getting a look at the records for a short while. Sorry this has happened to you, by the way.

Thank you. She worked at another medical facility for years. Needless to say we avoided it like the plague. This came out of the blue. I’m going to call the GP tomorrow and tell him to seal our records immediately as someone we’ve had terrible trouble with before now has access to our most private information.

JustAThought · 12-04-2021 12:42am

vladmydad wrote: »

Thank you. She worked at another medical facility for years. Needless to say we avoided it like the plague. This came out of the blue. I’m going to call the GP tomorrow and tell him to seal our records immediately as someone we’ve had terrible trouble with before now has access to our most private information.

I recall you used be able put passwords on basic word files to protect them -perhaps the GP’s system has a way to restrict access to files by having a second layer of passwords to open/protect certain files? Worth asking the GP. I’d also get each family member to ring & flag their concerns and get assurances.

vladmydad · 12-04-2021 2:18am

JustAThought wrote: »

I recall you used be able put passwords on basic word files to protect them -perhaps the GP’s system has a way to restrict access to files by having a second layer of passwords to open/protect certain files? Worth asking the GP. I’d also get each family member to ring & flag their concerns and get assurances.

Yes and the GP’s at the practice have computers in their individual offices. Mine regularly gets up my file on it and prints out prescriptions from it. So surly he can do something to restrict access.

Imagine the nosy person in your area, whom your family has had legal issues with years ago, suddenly has your entire family’s medical history at the tips of her fingers, that’s the situation we’ve found ourselves in.

Tork · 12-04-2021 3:28am

Don't forget there may also be physical files in that practice. This isn't going to be solved by password protecting Microsoft Word documents.

Graces7 · 12-04-2021 8:24am

Tork wrote: »

That is assuming the relative hasn't had a good nose in the filing cabinet and the computer system already. Naturally, everyone is going to deny all knowledge. Switch GPs is the only option here. You'll never want to deal the place again if this person is behind the reception desk or answering the phone.

Perfect.

OP; the present may be too late to save but you can safeguard the future asap.

HildaOgdenx · 12-04-2021 9:46am

Tork wrote: »

A phone call to the GP first thing in the morning is the way to go here, I think. If tomorrow is her first day, she'll likely have somebody training her in and showing her the ropes for the first while. It might stop her getting a look at the records for a short while. Sorry this has happened to you, by the way.

Agreed.
Make it known as quickly as possible to the GP practice.
If it's a busy practice, and also a training period involved, she hopefully will not have time or opportunity to start looking through files.

It would be very hard on you and others to have to change from a GP you have been with, and are used to. Also, I'm not sure if information is deleted when one moves from a practice, so the files might still be held and accessible. That's something you could ask, when you contact them.
Depending on what part of the country you are in, it can also be difficult to find a new GP.

I hope it can be sorted, ASAP.
I would hate this, so I do understand how you must feel.

spaceHopper · 12-04-2021 10:59am

I would switch GP then ask the New GP to personally contact the Old GP and let them explain and arrange the transfer of the records and deletion or sealing of the records. Under GDPR you might be able to get them deleted.

Try not to cause trouble for your relative that would only add fuel to the fire, it's been 15 years so maybe they have cooled down or have regrets too. Simply explain that there was a family falling out and you are not comfortable that they might have access to your records or dealing with them to book appointments.

Purple Mountain · 12-04-2021 11:31am

Its very hard to find a new gp easily.
And I think files are transferred from old gp to new, I've never heard of them been deleted entirely.

wildwillow · 12-04-2021 2:57pm

Be careful of any comments made about the receptionist, you may be correct but it could be seen as libel.

Not sure the GP will be happy with your opinion of his new employee!

I really sympathise with your situation and would leave the practice ASAP. But don't dig a hole for yourself.

Very distressing for you, especially after a berevement.

MissShihTzu · 12-04-2021 5:27pm

Do you even have to explain why you need to change GP? I wouldn't bother. Get into the new GP first. Then -Simply call and explain that you would like your files and personal information transferred to the new GP as soon as possible. Tell your family members to do the same. GP would probably need the request in writing too. Either e-mail or hand-deliver a note for the same.

Purple Mountain · 12-04-2021 10:57pm

MissShihTzu wrote: »

Do you even have to explain why you need to change GP? I wouldn't bother. Get into the new GP first. Then -Simply call and explain that you would like your files and personal information transferred to the new GP as soon as possible. Tell your family members to do the same. GP would probably need the request in writing too. Either e-mail or hand-deliver a note for the same.

Two issues.
It's difficult to actually find a new GP at the minute to sign up new patients, even before the pandemic.
Then if they were successful in doing so, asking for your files to be transferred over from the current GP, well I'd imagine it's the administrator who puts together all the files for transferring anyway so that is counterproductive.

sporina · 12-04-2021 11:31pm

vladmydad wrote: »

Thank you. She worked at another medical facility for years. Needless to say we avoided it like the plague. This came out of the blue. I’m going to call the GP tomorrow and tell him to seal our records immediately as someone we’ve had terrible trouble with before now has access to our most private information.

Hi OP, did you get this sorted?

I would hate if this happened to me.. I would be on to my GP 1st thing.. and if you and your family are with them for years then I am sure they would do everything in their power to ensure your confidentiality is maintained..

Fakediamond · 13-04-2021 8:34am

wildwillow wrote: »

Be careful of any comments made about the receptionist, you may be correct but it could be seen as libel.

Not sure the GP will be happy with your opinion of his new employee!

I really sympathise with your situation and would leave the practice ASAP. But don't dig a hole for yourself.

Very distressing for you, especially after a berevement.

It’s only libel if it’s untrue. I’d be in full survival mode and would do whatever I could legally to protect my sensitive personal information.

Neyite · 13-04-2021 1:34pm

Ring them to today and ask to speak to the practice manager. If she's just started then she'll be on her probationary period. If an employer has any concerns or misgivings at that stage they can terminate without notice.

If you voice your concerns to the GP and cite concrete instances of where she has divulged private medical information she was privy to in her last job outside of a professional context they won't want to continue with her employment because she would be too much of a liability to them.

The practice manager might be able to secure your personal information before she starts working on the system. And you'd be giving them a valuable heads up.

MissShihTzu · 13-04-2021 4:51pm

Purple Mountain wrote: »

Two issues.
It's difficult to actually find a new GP at the minute to sign up new patients, even before the pandemic.

Probably - but that wasn't what the OP was asking.

Purple Mountain wrote: »

Then if they were successful in doing so, asking for your files to be transferred over from the current GP, well I'd imagine it's the administrator who puts together all the files for transferring anyway so that is counterproductive.

Indeed. But as the relative will most probably be in training, it will not be them who effects the transfer will it? It will be the Senior Admin/Practice Manager, I would imagine...
My original points still stand.

Purple Mountain · 13-04-2021 4:58pm

^ if it's a small practice,there may only be one administrator. OP says this lady worked in another centre for years do there may be no training in period really if she's been doing the job years and she may be there alone.

Graces7 · 14-04-2021 1:40pm

vladmydad wrote: »

Yes and the GP’s at the practice have computers in their individual offices. Mine regularly gets up my file on it and prints out prescriptions from it. So surly he can do something to restrict access.

Imagine the nosy person in your area, whom your family has had legal issues with years ago, suddenly has your entire family’s medical history at the tips of her fingers, that’s the situation we’ve found ourselves in.

Does she know you are with that practice?

TheBoyConor · 14-04-2021 4:57pm

LilacNails wrote: »

One idea you could do, is write a letter to your doctor with "FAO Dr. Healy" On it. Explain the situation and maybe ask to change your name to an Irish spelling in the system? She wouldn't think to look u up like that. And if u do get in contact with the doctors again u simply spell out your name.

Again, who do you think is going to be given the task of doing this name change? You guessed it the receptoinist/admin.

The only thing you could do as talk to your doctor and state that you have grave concerns about the nosy relative and ask that the doctor themselves personally change the file, or put it out of reach of the relative, or pass it on to your new Dr.

C3PO · 14-04-2021 5:43pm

The only solution is to do what was suggested before - ring and speak to the practice manager. Tell them that you do not want your records accessed by your relative. I would be surprised if their is not a log of who/when records are accessed on their IT system.
And then find a new GP!

LilacNails · 14-04-2021 7:29pm

TheBoyConor wrote: »

Again, who do you think is going to be given the task of doing this name change? You guessed it the receptoinist/admin.

The only thing you could do as talk to your doctor and state that you have grave concerns about the nosy relative and ask that the doctor themselves personally change the file, or put it out of reach of the relative, or pass it on to your new Dr.

The Dr could do it themselves, click onto OPs file, edit, type name. Done.

Purple Mountain · 14-04-2021 7:37pm

Youre all assuming the files are digital.
Many practices are only getting up to speed with digital now and still have archives of hard copy files.

Tork · 14-04-2021 7:59pm

Purple Mountain wrote: »

Youre all assuming the files are digital.
Many practices are only getting up to speed with digital now and still have archives of hard copy files.

They've probably lost progress on that front because of Covid too. When I last visited the doctor at the start of last year, my file was retrieved from a filing cabinet. I think some of the info was on computer as well but it certainly wasn't all digital.

Purple Mountain · 14-04-2021 8:05pm

Also, getting the files encrypted or stored away from the administrator isnt going to be enough.
Essentially, if OP wants no dealings with the relative in the future, they'll need to change practices entirely because the next time the OP needs a dr, they will be coming face to face with the relative anyway.

sporina · 14-04-2021 10:02pm

i don't think we will hear from the OP again

hope they got it sorted though..

Hannibal_Smith · 14-04-2021 11:13pm

sporina wrote: »

i don't think we will hear from the OP again

hope they got it sorted though..

MOD NOTE

Bear in mind the Charter here sporina-no OP is ever obliged to update posters on their situation and posters shouldn't seek an update from them.

Thanks

HS

A hostile relative now working at GP practice I attend

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