GP Practice

[tamborine]

If I change my present surgery to a new practice, will the old practice inform nosey-parkers where I have moved ?

[ladyalex]

How on earth could your MIL see your records?

Does she work at the surgery ?
If she does and has been snooping (and you can prove it) she's in deep trouble.

[tamborine]

I cant prove any prying but not only is my MIL number but my dec'd OHs secretary name & number are in my records, as quoted by their receptionist.

[Postdog]

Fer Foxes Saki with the abbreviations!

[ladyalex]

I really don't understand why you won't just ask them to update your records.

[ladyalex]

Do you mean 'deceased' by dec'd ?

[tamborine]

I've told them today to update, as I did 3y ago when OH died. Maybe your phone number is on my records - it's all too crazy.

[ladyalex]

Then why don't you ask to see your records, explaining about the previous errors or misunderstandings ?
That way you could be sure that the correct information is recorded and the wrong information has been removed.
Speak to the Practice Manager.

[boxtops]

OK. First of all, your MIL CANNOT gain access to your own medical records, that is a breach of confidentiality by the surgery and such matters are taken extremely seriously. It sounds as if the medical records are somehow cross-referring - china would know better than I do if this can happen, or whether someone has been summarising records and made a mistake due to the similar names. Secondly - don't change surgery unless you really have to. What I would suggest you do is write a letter of complaint to the practice manager, outlining exactly what you have found has gone wrong, and giving them your accurate contact details and asking that these only should be shown against your patient records. Every GP practice is now bound by a complaints procedure and must investigate and respond to you - if they don't, the complaint can be escalated.
I cannot possibly imagine why your late secretary's name should be in your medical records unless at some time you had given instruction that this was how to contact you at work. These things can't just appear. Your MIL couldn't ask them to add things without your explicit permission - it doesn't work like that. Getting copies of any patient record can only be done under very specific circumstances and you have to give permission.
Your first step is to either phone or write to the practice manager (whose name should be on the surgery website) stating your concerns and asking them to correct your records. if necessary ask for an appointment to go and see them. Don't just assume that they have been leaking your files to a relative - they would be in so much trouble if that were allowed to happen.

[tamborine]

boxy...the secretary had access to personal details for Life insurance etc my OH took out. If the sec phoned the surgery on the pretence of being me how much info could she get ? Fortunately, my health has been good so my records should be slim but its still annoying.

[China Doll]

Depends how good she is at being you! You've been given enough advice on this tambo, I suggest you actually take all of boxy's.

[tamborine]

I did that today CD.....so hope it ffff-well sticks this time !