Secretly Recorded by GP

[UPSETPATIENT]

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 if your query/complaint is why they record calls as procedure, that's fair enough. However, you are making out that the GP secretly recorded you on a listening device or separate phone which is not the case at all. As they stated when asked 'all calls are recorded', they are not secretly recording you and you are no different to anyone else.

I’m guessing that you think that the GP that called you had a button to stop the programmed recording from happening? I think you do need to have a chat with the practice manager to see how the system works. That’s clearly the issue here. I hope you get an ending you’re happy with.

Part of the reason why the GP called was related to information my mental health team shared with my GP.

Interesting, my trust has mh as part of it and it’s the same phone system so all are recorded but they aren’t linked to medical records and would only be accessed if there was a related investigation, otherwise they are all deleted within a set time frame and cannot be accessed without following strict protocols. Mh team probably not aware to be honest as ours is linked to security (drs getting death threats is a thing sadly).

But presumably they wouldn’t have known the level of detail you would go into. I can see why you might be rattled but it doesn’t sound like GP was acting in bad faith.

If you don't tell patients they are being recorded - it a covert or secret recording because the patient is unaware.

It will be clearly stated somewhere on the surgery’s website. I’ve just checked mine and it’s under a bit about telephone consultations.

The GP led the conversation. I would answered their question had I known I was going to be recorded.

I can confirm it wasn't - I have checked.

This sums it up, @UPSETPATIENT your op almost indicates the gp is being nefarious and bullying by picking on you, but you later report the practice manager advises its all calls, nothing specific to you?

No idea why you're getting a hard time, some people are being quite unpleasant, well beyond just disagreeing with you. You're perfectly entitled to have feelings about being recorded unexpectedly and want to look into whether it was actually allowed.

I wonder if the GPs at this practice had a spiel they were supposed to say to patients about privacy at the start of calls (rather than a recording) but it drifted out of use over time. I've seen that happen due to it becoming so mundane it's assumed nobody cares any more.

If you are with the mental health team OP can they sign post you to a mental health advocate.
Historically people in mental health services have often experienced stigma and discrimination so I understand why things like confidentiality and sharing of information would be important to you and why you might question what has happened. Do you have access to any mental health user/support groups that may be useful?

Thank you for your understanding - I will look into this.

lol
everything is recorded these days; be grateful is recorded and they did not make any shit up

Ive just been reading on Mental Health Foundation website about people in mental health services and discrimination in health care. You could also look at Mind.

I understand why you’re upset, especially if you feel that you weren’t made aware of the recording. Usually, there’s some sort of automated message at the start of calls to inform you, just like when you call customer service or a bank, so it might be worth checking if that was in place? That said, you are being unreasonable because it’s standard practice for GP surgeries to record calls for training and monitoring, and it’s unlikely there was any bad intent. If you find it too triggering to re-listen to the call, you could ask for an authorised advocate to do so on your behalf. While better communication would have helped, I’m not sure if this is really something to be outraged over, especially as the phone call was intended to help you.

Can i just say I know when I callthe GP I know my calls are recorded for training purposes.....etc.
However when the GP has called me, I have never been told that my call is being recorded, so would be surprised if it was. I believed that if a call is recorded you MUST be made aware before it takes place.
Would I be bothered? That would depend on what had been discussed and the situation.

Perhaps that how you interpreted it. That is what the practice manager said, however, when I asked for the recording of other appointment - they weren't able to provide it.

The thing is the GP notes wasn't actually accurate when you compare the actual recording.

So yay! It's good there's a recording?

I agree with the poster who has said the OP is getting a hard time on here (sorry can’t just find their name). It’s very easy to give someone a hard time when there is anonymity.

I guess if plan to sue your GP. To be honest, I wouldn't noticed if I hadn't received the recording. I also learnt my GP is not exactly an honest person. Truthfully, I would rather not have found out in this manner that GP record conversations.

So you ARE planning on suing the gp? On what grounds?

Ask yourself, what did they want to gain from recording you? And what do you want to gain from complaining about it?

Without being disrespectful I think it might be best to save your energy and move on.

No, I wasn't but it seems like you are encouraging...