I am in the process of drafting a new policy regarding confidentiality. I
have carried out a literature search which has included UKCC publications,
OH journals and some of the legal books and frankly, I am disapointed.
I haven't found anything that really helps us to work in partnership with
key members of staff such as managers and personnel advisors. All the
information that I have got so far, whilst reminding me of my legal and
professional responsibilities, states what I cannot and must not do and
what the consequences will be if I do or if I don't.
I am firmly comitted working for the benefit of the employer and the
employee. In serving 2 masters however, we are faced with complex ethical
dilemas, many of which are to do with confidentiality.
I am trying to create a frame of reference that will help us to abide by
our legal, contractual and professional obligations but that also assists
us in passing on useful information to key colleagues such as personnel
advisors, managers and gives us guidelines that are specific to the
occupational health setting on when it is appropriate to breach
confidentiality.
Although this may sound very controversial, I actually think that it would
improve our practice and reduce some of the ambiguity in our role.
My questions are thus:
1. Does anyone have any comments on the above?
2. Has anyone developed a policy/tool for providing information to managers
etc that allows the nurse to work within the UCKK code of conduct but that
promotes the sharing of useful and relevant information.
All feedback gratefully received.
Thanks
Imelda Kehoe
Occupational Health Nurse
Halifax Bank plc
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