Dear All,

I admit alarm bells rang when I saw the original request, so I checked with our data protection officer.

Their advice is that asking for information on the whereabouts of doctors, in this way, does indeed contravene data protection legislation.  (I am sharing this advice with their consent!).

I remember a discussion of this before, too, although I can't remember the outcome.

Some guidance from CILIP would help, I think.

Best wishes,



Keith

-----Original Message-----
From: UK medical/ health care library community / information workers
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Fiona McLean
Sent: 10 November 2003 09:59
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: missing doctor


I think this came up before and at that point it was seen as legally OK
as it wasn't giving any reason for looking for the person (so it could
be anything from a missing book to someone trying to contact them about
a sick relative). And was therefore not libellous. 

Data Protection-wise, isn't that keeping more information than just a
name in electronic format? I'm not so clear about the reply, but
presumably it would be someone saying what trust they were working at
(rather than a home address), which would certainly be OK by phone.

But I'm not a lawyer.

I don't see the confidentiality issue but I may be missing something.

Personally, I would suggest checking in the Medical Directory or Medical
Register when looking for a UK doctor. Tho I'm not sure how widely those
are available. Maybe people could try 'phoning a friend'/(colleague) who
has such a publication first before trying the list, if this is causing
concern?

Fiona

-----Original Message-----
From: Goddard Brenda [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: 07 November 2003 09:41
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: missing doctor

I am replying to the list, to remind people of their obligations
regarding
confidentiality and the Data Protection Act.

I don't believe that the list should be used in this way and we could be
in
breach of the law.

Brenda

Brenda Goddard
Library and Information Services Manager
Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust
Healthcare Library
Romsey Road
Winchester
Hampshire SO22 5DG
01962 824421


-----Original Message-----
From: Reynolds Janet (RWG) West Hertfordshire TR
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 07 November 2003 08:30
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: missing doctor

Good morning. Does anyone know the current whereabouts of Dr MS Tahier
(SHO
Paediatrics when last seen in the summer)

______________________
Janet Reynolds
Librarian
PGMC
Watford General Hospital
Vicarage Rd
Watford WD18 0HB

Tel 01923 217437
Fax 01923 217909



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