Foster carers' medical records

[Pricklefish]

Hi, My SSW told me in no uncertain terms that anyone who works in the office (IFA) can access any foster carers' medical records. I find that really unacceptable. I understand that certain people need to review and check, but really find it hard to accept that any old Joe can read my stuff.
I have nothing to hide, but that's not the point. In every other sphere of life personal data is stored in a discreet way and covered by personal data policies.
Anyone have a view on this? Or know of any policies that should be in place?

We once received the private e-mail addresses of every foster carer in our local authority and when we complained it was minimised by the LA as not being a problem! Our personal e-mail address was on there too so everyone now knows everyone elses personal e-mail addresses.

I expected at least that our LA would be embarrassed and apologetic but no - nada. Not even an acknowledgement that this may have upset us and we may like to chose to whom we give this personal information.

It then happened again a short while later when our home address was shared with birth parent who was the local drug dealer and kept some pretty unsavoury company. Thanks for that, we slept peacefully for weeks after that one happened!

No lessons learned then?! Absolutely cavalier attitude to our personal information and no choice for us who saw it.

Give these a ring and express your concerns [for guidance.]
ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/

I guess it would depend on how many people are in the office. It's a small branch with a couple of SSW's and an admin, I think it may be OK. If it's all the staff across the organisation, then they probably need to re-think their data/confidentiality policy.