Occupational health requesting medical notes?!

[998Elli]

Morning everyone,

I have received a conditional offer for a job, subject to medical and vetting etc. I had a standard medical appointment with an OH nurse advisor and they asked for my consent to release GP records regarding mental health. (I first provided with when a completed health questionnaire.)

I’m confused as to what this means, is it a report from the GP answering questions relating to whether I’m fit to work? Or is it basically a copy and paste of all my medical notes (including letters/doctors comments?)

If it’s a medical report does anyone have any idea what’s asked? (I suffered with MH when I was a child and teen (8+ years ago) owing to sudden death of parent and 3 grandparents. I also went to GP in 2021 following on from a miscarriage) I disclosed this on the form but I’m worried I have got dates and details wrong as I really can’t remember the specifics, especially from when I was young! Will any possible discrepancies about dates or info go against me?

If you’ve read this and have any information I’d be so grateful! I’m a bit worried as I’m clueless to the whole process! Thank you very much :)

Hope you found answers to your questions but if not...the clinician can either ask specific questions about your MH or may just ask for your summary care record.
Not remembering dates or specific information/detail will NOT go against you. OH advisers know this stuff was a while back. People only tend to remember exact dates and detail if more recent.
Try not to worry. Unless you pose a risk to yourself or others, you'll be passed fit with either risk assessments or well-being plan.

PS I work in OH, for my sins!!

Hmmm. I’d say this was unacceptable asking for access to your medical records. It feels like a bridge too far in terms of intrusiveness, and unnecessary.
If you’re a pilot / heart surgeon and declared an SMI condition (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder etc) which can, during an episode or if non-compliant with meds, affect perception / judgement etc) then their request might be proportionate / necessary. BUT, assuming you’re not in a profession like that, and given you’ve not disclosed any actual medical conditions other than (historical) perfectly natural reactions to grief / trauma, then their request is heavy-handed and unnecessary.

For perspective: I recently changed jobs. I work in a role where I daily treat people with severe conditions, and have to make independent judgement calls as to the safety of those people (who are sometimes suicidal). It’s vital that my judgement and decision-making is top-notch. I also happen to have an EXTENSIVE history of severe mental ill-health including a recent episode of a long-term condition similar to those in my first paragraph. I’m on serious daily meds, under a MH team myself, and STILL was passed through OH screening with only a questionnaire to fill in. My work trusted me to self-certify, trusted that because I’m on meds and am well, and wouldn’t have DREAMED of stigmatising me by prying into my confidential medical notes.

FWIW - I’m a MH professional, and work regularly with confidential patient records. No employers ever approach me for info re: potential employees, and if they did I’d tell them to bog off!