Access to Medical Records

[PinkM0nkey]

I've returned to work post mat leave and in passing mentioned to my employer I've suffered with PND. They have now requested access to my medical records as they have a duty of care for me. I'd prefer not to give access as i feel this is an invasion of privacy and I'm not sure how seeing this information written down with change the situation?

Can i refuse?

[tribpot]

If they want a report they can ask your GP for one (and pay). They cannot have access to your medical records.

[PinkM0nkey]

Sorry yes a gp report.... As regard other matters, from the comments in your letter, I am concerned about your state of health. In view of this, the company would like to obtain a medical report from your doctor, to understand your present condition and the future prognosis.

[LovesBeingWokenEveryNight]

What do you meant continue to make your work life hell?

At the end of the day they can only work with what they know, if in the future you had time off they may have to deal with your absence (or other issues) without taking that into account.

[courtsareadisgrace]

You know if you're suffering from PND, the best thing to do is go to the GP and get professional help with it?

I am a little confused as to how, if you haven't sought medical advice and help, you could know that you are suffering from PND?

[PinkM0nkey]

I have been in denial, and yes i agree I need help and am taking steps to sort this. I have been in touch with mind and another telephone based counseling service.

[courtsareadisgrace]

But if it doesn't say on your doctor's medical notes that you have PND, and that's the issue you are concerned about, then what's the problem?

I'm not meaning to be rude, I really just don't understand.

[PinkM0nkey]

I'm perhaps worried that when they ask for my medical records and there's nothing there about the PND they will make things harder for me.

And you're not sounding rude :-) i appreciate any in put x

[courtsareadisgrace]

Just, if you go to your GP there's loads they can do to help with the PND - could you even talk to your HV if you don't want to talk to the GP?

If you want them to make adjustments for your PND then it really needs to be documented somewhere by a medical professional.

[PinkM0nkey]

They have refused to make adjustments, which is why i cant see the point in the medical report. Had they agreed to any kind of adjustment then yes have a look feel free.

[courtsareadisgrace]

But sweetheart, before they make adjustments, they need to see your medical records to know that you're genuinely ill, and also to get your doctor's advice as to what adjustements to make.

[PinkM0nkey]

I understand what your saying and agree. However, if they have said, we can not make any adjustments to your working hours sorry. But can we see your medical records anyway. surely this isnt right?

[courtsareadisgrace]

But they may be able to if you have evidence in your medical notes. I don't know. But you're asking a lot of a workplace to make adjustements for a medical condition without giving professional medical evidence to back that up. And I know how rotten PND is and I am so so sorry that this seems like I am being hard I wish I could find another way to put this.

[PinkM0nkey]

No really it's fine i completely understand. :)

[courtsareadisgrace]

The thing is, there may be something else they're able to do, other than change your hours, and they could be looking for evidence so they can do this?

But I'd hate to give work open access to my medical records - I assume (although I don't know) that work would write a letter with what their concerns are and the doctor would answer?

[PinkM0nkey]

Yes maybe you're right although i'm not sure what else they can do to help. I'm not thrilled at the idea but i see it as my only option right now. x

[missingmumxox]

first hello hrrumph couldn't have put it better myself, in OH we only ask for what we need, someones full medical records are a short road to terminology and pointless information hell.
I would say maybe you manager is looking for a way to support your temp change of hours and can see this as a win for you, but they have understood the idea of the equality act not the practice of it.
if they want to help you, you should maybe suggest if you employer doesn't have a a Occ Health, they invest in an independent OH Nurse or doctor they are a lot cheaper than a full medical history, non medical people trying to wade through it, legal people trying to see if they could lose money and the eventual medical report on you PND.
better to cut to the chase and spend a couple of hundred on a OHN or D who will do the whole package and most probably will not need a report, I rarely use them, consultants would rather cover their arse than give good advice, excepting psychiatrists who get my 2 thumbs up on being pretty honest and full of top tips, but in your case this is irrelevant.
For the record I not an independent OH nurse and never have been, I am a OH manager in a company.