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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 21:01

FelicityBennett · 28/02/2025 20:59

Have you looked on the practice website? Is usually on there re recording calls

Yes I checked. There nothing about telephone recording, which I find strange.

OP posts:
LionME · 28/02/2025 21:00

@UPSETPATIENT ive never had a telephone consultation with a GP recorded. I really dint think it’s common oractice.
and even if it was, the HCP should still have reminded you.

Pixie2015 · 28/02/2025 21:00

They are not using the information for anything other than if you complain or ask for it to be reviewed or if you are violent/threatening.

the recordings protect patients in enduring they are getting appropriate assessment and advice.

Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 21:00

LionME · 28/02/2025 20:57

Well if I learnt that a GP had recorded a consultation wo telling me, when they normally just write notes, it would have broken the my relationship with them as a doctor.
I personally would refuse to see them again - how could I ever trust them? Which might well then create other issues down the lines re my care.

You might not see the issue.
But for me, not following basic GMC guidelines is a huge red flag re how untrustworthy a doctor is.

Show quote history

Thank you - This is exactly how I feel. I will going to a GP in the future. I don't trust them.

OP posts:
FelicityBennett · 28/02/2025 20:59

Have you looked on the practice website? Is usually on there re recording calls

LionME · 28/02/2025 20:59

sandrapinchedmysandwich · 28/02/2025 20:57

Also if the call wasn't recorded, the conversation would still be logged on your medical records. Both are confidential but all healthcare professionals are required to log what has been discussed as part of their role for both the patient and also for their own protection.

Have you ever looked at your notes?
1- it never has all the things that were discussed
2- it’s often full of mistakes

The record you find online is mikes away from what you’d get from a record

Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 20:59

Arlanymor · 28/02/2025 18:26

Most - if not all - GP surgeries record telephone conversations. You have a right to ask your surgery to supply you with their privacy/data policy where it outlines their approach to recording telephone conversations. But I would imagine that it would state that calls are recorded to improve care and for training purposes. I imagine that is why nothing has been done as regards your complaint as they haven’t breached their policy and by signing up as a patient at the practice you have given tacit agreement that you agree with this policy. It sounds from your post that there is more to this than meets the eye however… what did they say to you that you would be distressed about it having been recorded? Or is it the other way around and they have recorded you being abusive or unpleasant?

Edited

I was not aware that GP record telephone appointment. There are certain conversation, I wouldn't want recorded. And no I wasn't abusive or unpleasant. Are you a GP? Do you record patients.

OP posts:
LionME · 28/02/2025 20:57

sandrapinchedmysandwich · 28/02/2025 20:51

Absolutely not. I work in healthcare and I regularly see how much services are struggling. Resources are scarce as it is and you are wasting people's time imo

Show quote history

Well if I learnt that a GP had recorded a consultation wo telling me, when they normally just write notes, it would have broken the my relationship with them as a doctor.
I personally would refuse to see them again - how could I ever trust them? Which might well then create other issues down the lines re my care.

You might not see the issue.
But for me, not following basic GMC guidelines is a huge red flag re how untrustworthy a doctor is.

sandrapinchedmysandwich · 28/02/2025 20:57

Also if the call wasn't recorded, the conversation would still be logged on your medical records. Both are confidential but all healthcare professionals are required to log what has been discussed as part of their role for both the patient and also for their own protection.

Wavescrashingonthebeach · 28/02/2025 20:56

UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 20:53

I was recorded without my consent. I was never informed that GP recorded telephone appointments.

Show quote history

Have a look on their website to see if it is stated there. I just thought it was common knowledge tbh.
Im sorry you were unaware and were upset by this. If you phone your GP surgery there is more than likely an automated msg at the beginning stating they record calls. Yes in this instance they called you but you will have called them in the past prior to this?

Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 20:56

JemimaFlubberCluck · 28/02/2025 18:21

How is recording the conversation different from writing notes? Just different ways of the GP covering themselves and keeping records. Unless they’ve posted the conversation on the internet, I don’t see the issue?

There is a big difference...I am aware GP write medical notes. The conversation was not appropriate for telephone recording.

OP posts:
CaptainFuture · 28/02/2025 20:55

Usually it's the other way about on here when a posters saying they're recording gp/teacher/soc worker. .
'Oh of COURSE you can record the conversation without telling them!! It's your RIGHT!!!' ....🤨

Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 20:54

125High · 28/02/2025 20:51

@UPSETPATIENT as I said earlier, there are weird attitudes to the NHS in this country and evidenced on this thread. Medics don’t have a free pass to do what they want on the basis that you should be grateful to be given any medical care. This attitude is really damaging.

Show quote history

Maybe the original poster is a GP or medic who secretly records patients.

OP posts:
Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 20:53

Lifelover16 · 28/02/2025 19:24

Medical professionals record all consultations. Whether typed during consultation, phone calls, econsults.
Standard practice.
Why are you upset?

I was recorded without my consent. I was never informed that GP recorded telephone appointments.

OP posts:
Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 20:52

crackfoxy · 28/02/2025 19:35

Most GP calls are recorded and you would have been advised of this with a automated announcement when you called. If you weren't then I think you have recourse to complain. Not sure why though, almost all calls are recorded to companies/ shops

There wasn't the case with my GP. Also the GP contacted me unexpectedly. It wasn't planned.

OP posts:
125High · 28/02/2025 20:51

sandrapinchedmysandwich · 28/02/2025 20:40

FFS. Gp practices are on their knees and you are kicking up a stink with this, wasting everyone's time? Seriously get a grip. It sounds like you might have behaved in a way you are embarrassed about and are ashamed it was captured in all it's glory

@UPSETPATIENT as I said earlier, there are weird attitudes to the NHS in this country and evidenced on this thread. Medics don’t have a free pass to do what they want on the basis that you should be grateful to be given any medical care. This attitude is really damaging.

sandrapinchedmysandwich · 28/02/2025 20:51

UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 20:45

Are you projecting? Is that how you behave with your GP?

Show quote history

Absolutely not. I work in healthcare and I regularly see how much services are struggling. Resources are scarce as it is and you are wasting people's time imo

Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 20:50

BatchCookBabe · 28/02/2025 20:14

How did you 'accidently' find out?

Show quote history

When I did SAR for my PIP.

OP posts:
Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 20:49

Ladamesansmerci · 28/02/2025 20:23

It should be clearly stated if a call is recorded.

I'd be unhappy to be recorded without my consent. People are missing the point here. Healthcare is built upon informed consent. Patient's have a right to know they are being recorded imo. There is a difference between a GP written note (which are usually short and to the point- I work in healthcare) Vs a voice recording which has everything you say word for word. You might be going into detail about something very personal e.g. disclosing past trauma. There is a difference between 'patient made disclosure about past abuse' in a note vs a voice recording with loads of added detail. Some people wouldn't feel comfortable with the latter 🤷

Idk, maybe I'm just particular about confidentiality. I just actually think patients don't realise quite how many people often end up viewing records due to things like MDTs. I'm a MH nurse so make very detailed notes, but I'm sure to be very clear on who might access the information, and I'm very clear to ask patients if they are okay with very sensitive things being in their notes. Obviously if it's related to risk, it has to be recorded, but not everything is.

Edited

Thank you for your response.
Someone who actually get it.
The conversation was sensitive and found it triggering to listen to the conversation.

OP posts:
Talulahalula · 28/02/2025 20:48

verycloakanddaggers · 28/02/2025 19:17

Neither does mine, I think it should be required to state that the call is recorded.

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Agree, if mine are recorded, I have no idea that it is being done. I am surprised at all the people saying it is routine.

Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 20:47

125High · 28/02/2025 20:25

No they are NOT within their rights to secretly record. I quoted upthread. Here the full link: www.gmc-uk.org/professional-standards/the-professional-standards/making-and-using-visual-and-audio-recordings-of-patients

Show quote history

Thank you for sharing this.

OP posts:
Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 20:46

JustAnotherSod · 28/02/2025 20:37

Is your concern that they recorded the call without your permission, or that they made the recording without telling you it was being done - the title of your thread and the content of your post seem to confuse the two.

Essentially, a GP practice don't need your permission to record, but they do need to have told you it was being done - whether in advance of the call or at the time the call started.

The conversation was sensitive - I was never informed that GP record telephone appointments. I feel uncomfortable anyone can listen to that.

OP posts:
Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 20:45

sandrapinchedmysandwich · 28/02/2025 20:40

FFS. Gp practices are on their knees and you are kicking up a stink with this, wasting everyone's time? Seriously get a grip. It sounds like you might have behaved in a way you are embarrassed about and are ashamed it was captured in all it's glory

Are you projecting? Is that how you behave with your GP?

OP posts:
Original poster
UPSETPATIENT · 28/02/2025 20:44

There is a lot assumption being made in the thread. I never did anything wrong. I found out when I made a SAR as to provide medical evidence for PIP. I never knew that the GP record telephone conversation. The conversation was highly sensitive - I found it uncomfortable to listen to. This is not conversation, I would want recorded. The GP never told me that my telephone appointment were being recorded. If they had informed, then I would feel differently.

OP posts:
sandrapinchedmysandwich · 28/02/2025 20:40

FFS. Gp practices are on their knees and you are kicking up a stink with this, wasting everyone's time? Seriously get a grip. It sounds like you might have behaved in a way you are embarrassed about and are ashamed it was captured in all it's glory