Employer wants to see my medical records, help.

[OneLieIn]

Long story...

I have been off sick for a while 1 month or so with stress. Work was being exceptionally difficult.

Anyway, i am still off with stress and this morning I got a letter from work asking me to sign a document so they can have access to my medical records. I absolutely don't want to do this as I have really spoken to my doctor in confidence and FFS, I feel totally stressed anyway, so me giving them access to my medical files would only make it worse for me. I felt isolated at work and they have been trying to manage me out of the business, and its like they are trying to isolate me further by requesting this. They say its so they can help me, but it feels like they are being actually very nosey and meddlesome. I want to be left alone.

If I don't sign it, is that OK? Can this be bad for me in anyway?

I am off to the GP this afternoon, so will show her maybe.

Sorry - this time it has a title.

[CountessDracula]

Could they not just send you to their own doctor?
I agree this is odd

[nervousal]

this is very odd - we would never ask to see someones medical records - we'd send them to our Occupational Health.

[SNoraWotzThat]

Are you taking legal advice against your employees as they have caused your isolation and stress? direct.gov.uk This article looks at the causes and remedies of stress and explains your rights

Why do you think they want to see your medical records?

[OneLieIn]

I don't know. It says they want to help me with my return to work, but I think this is untrue. They have consistently isolated me and I think thisis just another tactic.

I spoke to the Gp who said they can only ask for a report on my current state adn this would be reasonable. Access to my medical records would not be reasonable she says.

[baffledmum]

Hi, I would suggest that you telephone ACAS or look on their website. An employer can request access to medical records in order to formulate a strategy to help you back into work, but if you choose not to give them access to your records then, from a procedural standpoint, you are not enabling them to help you. I agree with your doctor though about only answering about your current state. I imagine that the first question they will ask is, when did the patient first present herself with the symptoms. You can ask to see the report before it goes to your employer to agree accuracy though.

[SNoraWotzThat]

Have you given your employer the chance to help or put things right? You need to read that link, I think it will help you decide what to do.

I think your GP is correct and I would I would follow your GP's advice. If an employer does offer to take steps to help you (eg referring you to an occupational health specialist), you should accept their offer, unless there is good reason not to. I expect they are following guidelines and they want a report rather than all your medical records.

[flowerybeanbag]

oneliein have you seen your other thread?