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Afternoon all,
Ok, I’m in the process of attempting to get access to my son’s medical records as well as getting added to his file as an emergency contact, however, whilst initially the GP surgery seemed willing to accommodate my request, I feel they are asking for excessive things from me in order to do so, thereby creating unnecessary delays.
I have written to them already, enclosing a copy of my passport as ID, plus a copy of my son’s birth certificate – which I am named on as the father. I have parental responsibility for my son, therefore my request, plus the proof of ID and PR should be enough.
The GP surgery then came back to me and said they want a letter from m solicitor to confirm I have PR. I told them I do not have a solicitor, and what I sent them is evidence enough by law to allow them to release the data to me that I have requested.
Then they came back to me and said that they need to have proof that PR has not been removed. How do I prove that? I have sent them copies of the court orders from contact proceedings to confirm that PR has never been removed at any stage of proceedings. I have stated to them in writing that PR has not been removed.
Now they need to seek further legal advice in order to fulfil my request. I don’t understand what the problem is: I am making a request under the data protection act and have provided all necessary proof to satisfy who I am and my relationship to my son.
Seems to me that they are being excessive here in what they are asking of me, and this is now causing delays and a situation where I have to fight to get what is reasonable.
It’s just another instance where me, a father, is being treated with suspicion and like a criminal for wanting to know about his sons health and wellbeing, plus asking to be involved in important decisions pertaining to his health.
What options do I have here? Im fed up of being persecuted for taking an interest in my son's life.
Complain to the information commissioner? Complain to the local health authority that the GP surgery falls under? Take the GP to court?
Opinions please guys.
Simon.
Hi Simon
In the first instance you can complain to the area health authority. You could also contact the British Medical Association for clarification.
Its something you can bring up at the next hearing too. It's important that you are aware of your child's medical history, if something happened whilst he was in your care which necessitated a visit to the hospital you would be asked about his medical history etc.
Perhaps a letter to the mother to ask that she contact the surgery and ask that you be put on his records as a contact and explain the reasons why.
It's important that you are aware of your child's medical history, if something happened whilst he was in your care which necessitated a visit to the hospital you would be asked about his medical history etc.
.
What a fantastic justification for getting access to medical records - and not even a hospital visit. That could include allergies so you know to avoid certain foods etc 🙂 Brilliant idea.
Hahaha, sorry for laughing Simon, but LnH had to go through exactly the same and then some.
The surgery insisted on a court PR order, this was after we complained to various authorities and ombudsman ,-
to no avail.
We gave the same reason, as my grandson has a condition and we didn't know what type of medications he has had
in the past....still....they wouldn't budge at the time.
When LnH explained all this in court, they granted a separate PR order so he was finally able to get access to his
sons records.
A total farce if you asked me as the law is absolutely clear on this.
The surgery will not put my sons name down as a next of kin though....I find it unbelievable but for now he just phones the surgery every so often to ask if the child has been seen and what for, medication etc.
Just persevere , that's all you can do for now.
Take care
Kirsten
Afternoon all,
After 3 weeks of having to wait I finally heard back from the GP surgery with confirmation that they will be releasing my sons medical records to me. In addition they will be adding me to his file as an emergency contact.
Feels good to finally have a breakthrough and somewhere in this world be recognised for the first time as a real part of my sons life.
Just thought I would share the update with you all.
Simon.
Thanks Simon
Always good to hear positive outcomes 🙂
Well done Simon,
It is important to know the medical history...just in case.
Glad to read that you managed to be listed as an emergency contact....
my grandsons surgery refuses to budge on this.
Tc
Kirsten
Just another little step in the right direction.
I think after a year of proceedings I haven't done so bad in the grand scheme of things. Bit by bit I'm becoming a more and more important part of my sons life. Long may that continue. Very much looking forward to seeing what progress can be made at the end of this month in the court hearing.
Simon
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