With respect, adding info after the fact doesn't add value but only muddies waters.
Being referred back to your GP for BP checks is fine and normal; being told to go back to your GP for added info initially is not how it works. The examining GP should go direct to your GP for more info, rather than use you as the middle man as you stated they would. Having said that it can sometimes be quicker for the patient to go running to the GP for info than putting in an access request as they have 30 days in which to respond.
The NHS will only share patient data, with the patients express consent within other NHS organisations only for the strict purposes of any diagnosis and treatment . . . . . . My GP has confirmed this to me, I had to take a letter in with me on my last OH appointment.
Sorry but that is completely incorrect and could not be further from the truth. I think you might have misheard the GP as he would never say that!
Occupational Health examiners DO go direct back to your GP. They are legally allowed to do so once you have signed the Subject Access Request (SAR) form. Iaw Access to Medical Reports Act (1988) Section 3 states that the employee, or potential employee, gives permission. You are allowed to see, under Section 4, to see the report that your GP is going to send to the employer. If you do not agree you can request that the GP amend the report according to Section 5 of the act.
Any medical organisation can request info as long as it is governed by the above act, not just NHS and I bet you didn't know that non medical organisations can also ask for access to your medical records with the SAR form!
You've just added the wording "patient confidentiality", again, muddying the water. Data Protection, as you initially stated, concerns how data, in general, is controlled. Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 concerns itself specifically with who is allowed to see your medical data and under what circumstances. "patient confidentiality" is just a random statement and does not refer to any law. Ever heard of Caldicott Principles?
Just going to see the GP or Nurse for a random check ahead of your medical is a waste, IMO, unless you are experiencing issues. This is for two reasons, firstly, the fact that you feel fit and well should be enough. Secondly, you will be examined soon at the TOC medical facility and therefore will find any issues there and then. Any issues such as raised BP will be investigated later on.
I have been in the Medical world for 27 years prior to joining the networks, I am perfectly aware of the rules, regs and laws and have experienced a myriad of people taking up clinics without any real reason to do so. Going to the GP or Nurse for this is pointless and a waste of their valuable time.
I have also, in that time, processed many, many hundreds, if not thousands of requests for medical information from many hundreds of different non NHS organisations, all processed within the law and legal obligations to protect the individual.
