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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to be upset my next door neighbour

45 replies

careergirl · 15/12/2011 20:41

is working as a doctor's receptionist at my surgery and will have access to ALL my medical records which contain amongst other things details of a previous psychiatric history?

I am thinking of changing doctors tbh

OP posts:
MudAndGlitter · 15/12/2011 20:42

YABU. I'm sure she won't shout over the garden fence about how your latest smear went

troisgarcons · 15/12/2011 20:43

Why would you think she would be interested?

What do you think people in smallish commuities do? travel 20 miles away to use services just incase someone gets to know their history?

Actually it's pretty insulting that you think your neighbour would be a gossip or judge you in anyway. Pesumably she has the job because she can keep her trap shut.

KittyFane · 15/12/2011 20:46

You have nothing to be ashamed of. If she mentions anything or if she gossips about anything confidential she would be in serious trouble. Don't worry about it.

thepeoplesprincess · 15/12/2011 20:46

Actually I don't think YABU tbh. I would also want my private life kept private.

Cherriesarelovely · 15/12/2011 20:49

I would HATE this! I once went into the Drs and was seen by a locum who turned out to be a mum from my DDs school. I was incredibly uncomfortable but didn't say so at the time. I know it might be silly but I hated the fact that she now knew all my medical history. Ugh! Makes me cringe remembering it!

GreyTS · 15/12/2011 20:50

Not sure that a receptionist would be reading confidential patient records. Only contact with medical records would be handing chart to doctor surely or is my assumption wrong? On the other hand wouldn't fancy my neighbour knowing my medical history but my neighbour is a bit of a gossip!

TheRuderBarracuda · 15/12/2011 20:50

I don't think YABU but hey, jobs are few and far between at the moment. Looks like you will probably need to change doctors just for your own peace of mind. She may be entirely honourable and/or never have reason to look at your notes but makes no difference if you don't know that.

Cherriesarelovely · 15/12/2011 20:51

It's not insulting trois. It's not necessarily that the OP thinks that her neighbour would gossip it's that she doesn't want her neighbour knowing sensitive things about her medical history. Neither would I.

NormanTebbit · 15/12/2011 20:52

I work as something similar and I can categorically tell you that if she is found looking at a medical record without a good reason she will be in serious trouble. I am not even allowed to look st my own!

AnyoneforTurps · 15/12/2011 20:53

I'm a GP. I see 40 patients a day - 9000 a year. You would have to have something AMAZING in your record (I'm talking alien abduction or impregnation by Brad Pitt) for me to remember anything from them Smile.

squeakytoy · 15/12/2011 20:55

Only contact with medical records would be handing chart to doctor surely or is my assumption wrong

All on computer nowadays. Although you would hope that only the doctors have access to patient records. Unlikely though.

feedthegoatsletthemknowitsxmas · 15/12/2011 20:55

My neighbour works at my surgery. It never crossed my mind to be bothered by it.

FabbyChic · 15/12/2011 20:56

Change your Gp but she has already seen your notes, and doctors receptionists do gossip amongst friends.

GingerWrath · 15/12/2011 20:57

My Aunt was a receptionist at my surgery, I wasn't bothered.

Methe · 15/12/2011 20:58

Why do you think your neighbour gives a shit about your medical history?

Vizzini · 15/12/2011 20:58

My friend's dad is a gynaecologist. When I was really struggling with endometriosis pains that my GP was ignoring he gave me an internal Blush, referred me for a laparoscopy and performed the op! It was slightly embarrassing but he is a professional. Your neighbour will not be able to comment or she'll lose her job.

Original poster
careergirl · 15/12/2011 21:00

receptionists tell you test results over the phone so she would know its the "knowing" part that is bothering me.
Psychiatric referral, cancer treatment, treatment for a neurological condition, its all in there....

OP posts:
Original poster
careergirl · 15/12/2011 21:01

I didn't say anything about will she give a shit by the way Methe. That wasn't my point.

OP posts:
Avenged · 15/12/2011 21:06

Agree with Anyone. Not only that, but I expect they'll be bound by confidentiality agreement (like in any care job from nursing homes to A&E Depts) and in my GP surgery, if anyone who works there, is caught telling any member of the public about another patient's conditions (they don't even have to mentions any names either), they will be sacked on grounds of gross misconduct, breaking patient confidentiality and breaching patient privacy.

HTH

Methe · 15/12/2011 21:06

What was your point? If she wasn't interested why would she be reading?

Original poster
careergirl · 15/12/2011 21:08

my point was I am not happy she has knowledge of my very personal medical history!!!

OP posts:
NormanTebbit · 15/12/2011 21:10

I know I would be sacked if caught looking at records that are not an immediate part of my job. Even if a colleagues brother phoned up I am bound not to tell colleague. We cannot even access medical records without permission from patient (unless there is strong clinical need) so I really fon't think you have anything to worry about. As for test results, am sure receptionist doesn't search for your full medical record to get results.

CreamolaFoamless · 15/12/2011 21:16

I worked in banking for years careergirl and had access to everyone I knew (who banked with the company) financial records.

There are procedures in place to prevent any employee snooping and further still broadcasting what they have learned if they have snooped

It will also be written into her contract of employment that she can not discuss with anyone outside of the surgery your personal details

If she looks at your records she could be sacked.

If you require results , hang up if she answers and wait for a different receptionist , or better still explain your concerns to your GP.

I'm sure they will ensure you can still use their services and if you like your doctor and trust him/her there is no reason to move just because your neighbour picks up the phone there.

Avenged · 15/12/2011 21:18

Your neighbour is a receptionist there and there will be information relayed to the GP's and other staff members. It's all part of the service that is provided.

If you have a problem about it then ask to speak to your GP and tell them specifically that you don't want this person accessing your records.

NanaNina · 15/12/2011 21:28

No one has mentioned that you could actually talk to your neighbour and your worries about her seeing your medical record. I'm sure she would be able to reassure you that medical records are only shared on a "need to know" basis and it would be difficult to imagine why a receptionist would have this need.

Is it because it is a psychiatric history. I'm sure you realise that 1 in 4 people suffer from mental illness at some point in their lives (I'm one of them) and for those of us who have suffered this horrid illness, we should be working together to banish the stigma that sadly is still prevalent where mental illness is concerned.

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