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Original poster

Secretly Recorded by GP

387 replies

UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 18:18

I am seeking advice on a matter. I found out my accident that my GP recorded a telephone appointment without permission. I have complained to the practice and ICB, however they have not done anything. Does anybody have any advice or suggestions

OP posts:
Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 21:34

It seems there are mixed responses. Some believe GP are entitled to record patients whereas others disagree. It seems it only the norm for GP to record patient without notifying them. I don't believe other NHS services do that.

OP posts:
Poppyfield15 · 28/02/2025 21:32

The GP didn't "secretly" record you. The surgery phone system is set up to record telephone consultations.

FartyAnimal · 28/02/2025 21:32

I worked at a GP surgery and all calls were recorded. It's standard practice.

CaptainFuture · 28/02/2025 21:31

UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 21:17

I find a bit strange that GP would secretely record patient discussing their bodies including nether regions.

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I would have thought most gp apps involve discussion of the body?😮

Toots22 · 28/02/2025 21:31

Your GP surgery has absolutely no right to record your conversation with your GP about your private health matters without your explicit consent. You are talking about private matters - it’s not a call centre! Even if they had a good reason to record the call (can’t think what that would be) they still must ask for your consent. I would be furious. I would be putting in a complaint to the Practice Manager and if you don’t get anywhere with that I’d be going further. In Scotland, I would take it to the SPSO, I’m not sure what the organisation would be if in England or elsewhere but there will be a similar body that can help you.

apoetsmuse · 28/02/2025 21:29

If you think I do not take safeguarding seriously from what I said Pixie I have not put myself across very well.

mommatoone · 28/02/2025 21:28

UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 21:08

I would also like to add the telephone call actually did not match what was written it the consultation notes. They GP recorded that they explained my condtion and medication - they didn't actually do that.

Well , in hindsight it's a good job the call was recorded then!

BruFord · 28/02/2025 21:28

Pixie2015 · 28/02/2025 21:21

If its a safeguarding matter you should want it taking notice of and acted upon especially if someone is vulnerable or at risk irrespective of it being recorded

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Tbh, @apoetsmuse I imagine that it's also to protect the medical practitioners, as well as to help with their notes. For example, a patient could accuse them of verbal abuse during a telephone appointment and they'd have no way of proving that it didn't occur.

I know that's being paranoid, but having a recording protects both the patient and practitioner.

MrsPernicious · 28/02/2025 21:25

You have learnt that recording phone calls is normal. GDPR applies to recorded phone calls. What is your complaint?

CarefulN0w · 28/02/2025 21:25

OP - even if they have recorded you without your permission, unless the information has been shared, there is no data breach.

As I said upthread, you can ask for your recording to be deleted and they will do this unless they are required to keep it for legal or safeguarding reasons.

TurquoiseDress · 28/02/2025 21:23

Or then contact the practice manager, he/she will then tell you that all phone calls are recorded at the practice, so boom that confirms it

Unless you have an issue with the GP themself? If so crack on and complain, but make sure you string a coherent argument together

Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 21:22

apoetsmuse · 28/02/2025 21:15

OP what is the Practice Manager like at the surgery? Are they someone you couldn’t into? Over the years the one at mine has been my first port of call if I have had any concerns.

I do not know her well. She was the one who told me that all GP record patients.

OP posts:
Missgemini · 28/02/2025 21:21

Yes, what has the crime of a GP at another practice got to do with the fact that your practice likely records all conversations?

What are you trying to achieve? An apology? Compensation? What do you want from us here?

Pixie2015 · 28/02/2025 21:21

apoetsmuse · 28/02/2025 21:05

Well whatever the rights and wrongs of this I’ve learnt that if I ever do have a conversation with my GP and there’s something I don’t want recorded as long as it’s not a safeguarding matter I will tell them I don’t want it recorded. I can’t think of a time I have ever said anything I didn’t want recorded but who knows what might happen in future.

If its a safeguarding matter you should want it taking notice of and acted upon especially if someone is vulnerable or at risk irrespective of it being recorded

Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 21:21

Missgemini · 28/02/2025 21:16

Seeing your responses OP, I think it’s fair to say you’re not one of the nicer patients at the practice. All GP phone calls are recorded. All!
This has been the case in every practice I’ve been a patient at.
You’re obviously withholding some of the information on here to make yourself look better. Good luck with your complaint. I’m sure it’ll be a good use of doctor time to respond to those.

You are make unfounded assumption. I never had an issue with the GP.

OP posts:
TurquoiseDress · 28/02/2025 21:20

Crack on and complain away but honestly, unless the GP was covertly recording you via their mobile phone, it's honestly completely normal for phone calls to be recorded between clinicians/nurses/practice staff

Honestly, I really get what your complaint is all about? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 21:20

Lifelover16 · 28/02/2025 21:15

You can contact the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) and they will tell you your rights, and how to complain about no action being taken by GP or ICB if the recording was made without your knowledge or consent. There are fines for GPs if they breach GDPR.

Thank you, I will do this.

OP posts:
SuperTrooper14 · 28/02/2025 21:19

Even if your call was recorded, your GP is still bound by patient confidentiality so they won’t be playing the tape at the surgery’s Xmas party if that’s what you’re worried about. Conflating it with the conviction of a GP for child abuse offences makes you sound paranoid.

MrsPernicious · 28/02/2025 21:19

@UPSETPATIENT do you think your GP has breached GDPR?

TurquoiseDress · 28/02/2025 21:18

Surely all telephone consultations are recorded at most GP surgeries?

I presume that each time I speak with a GP at my surgery, the phone call is being recorded

There's no need for consent to be taken each time, unless it's going to be used in some other way eg to assess a trainee doctors for exams

Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 21:17

PieCorner · 28/02/2025 21:10

I'm not sure what another GP being in possession of images of child sex abuse has to do with your GP recording your telephone call?

I find a bit strange that GP would secretely record patient discussing their bodies including nether regions.

OP posts:
BruFord · 28/02/2025 21:17

I thought it was standard for telephone and video appointments to be recorded. One of my doctor's records in-person appointments as well to help him write up his notes. I'm sorry that you're upset by the recording, but I think they're all recorded nowadays. Flowers

Sweetiedarling2024 · 28/02/2025 21:17

Go to the GP’s website and find their data privacy notice, in there it will/ should contain information about them recording calls. You would have agreed to this data privacy notice, OR the form would have asked you to consent to the calls being recorded when you signed up to the practice.

What outcome do you want from this? Even if the GP surgery have breached the GDPR I doubt you’ll get any financial compensation. Realistically, are you just wanting to object to all your calls being recorded? If so, just let the reception know.

From your other posts it sounds like you don’t know what you want or why you’re truly annoyed.

Missgemini · 28/02/2025 21:16

Seeing your responses OP, I think it’s fair to say you’re not one of the nicer patients at the practice. All GP phone calls are recorded. All!
This has been the case in every practice I’ve been a patient at.
You’re obviously withholding some of the information on here to make yourself look better. Good luck with your complaint. I’m sure it’ll be a good use of doctor time to respond to those.

apoetsmuse · 28/02/2025 21:15

Are they someone you could talk to?