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It does not much of a leap of imagination to envisage the complexities 
of going back and forth between GP and student  on this issue ("Is this 
my full record?"  "My converstaion of last year is not annotated" "What 
about my childhood immunisations?" "Where are the details of my 
appendectomy?" etc.)

I am not advocating withholding data, but if it is a lawful requirement 
in any event to clear with the medical profession how much of the 
records can be released, then, coupled with the risk of the above 
complexities, it would seem to me
a  more pragmatic course to suggest or even recommend to the student 
that they approach the GP direct. DPA duties notwithstanding, 
universities are here to teach, not act as negotiators, and if it makes 
no difference to the student and only takes a phone call, letter or 
e-mail to suggest it, why not suggest the student takes the direct 
approach? If they refuse then so be it and obviously one would bite the 
bullet and happily spend the next few weeks responding.

David Hirst

Alan Stead wrote:

> Morning All
>  Sorry David but what would be unlawful is that the SI in question  
> states that a non medical professional can only withhold the data  
> after consulation with a doctor. Therefore I would agree(as usual!)  
> with Doreen that you must contact the GP first and obtian an opinion  
> if the information would cause damage or distress (ie not already  
> known to the patient).
>
> Regards
>
> Alan
>
> Alan Stead
> IMTS
> Ravenshead
> Nottingham
> 01623 400497 or
> 07882 241908
>
>
> Quoting David Hirst <[log in to unmask]>:
>
>> I don't see anything unlawful in suggesting to the data subject that it
>> weould be quicker and more sensible for him to approach the GP direct
>> rather than having to go back and forth between the GP and the subject.
>>
>> David Hirst
>> Head of Legal Services
>> University of Sunderland
>>
>>
>>
>> Dean, Ian wrote:
>>
>>> If you get a SAR and you have the information then you are obliged to
>>> provide so long as it will not cause harm to the individual. The only
>>> way this can be ascertained is by a  medically qualified person
>>> assessing the information. this is normally done by going back to 
>>> the GP
>>> and asking if there is any reason why we cannot disclose the 
>>> information
>>> to the subject. Regards
>>>
>>> Ian -----Original Message-----
>>> From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
>>> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David Hirst
>>> Sent: 27 May 2008 15:04
>>> To: [log in to unmask]
>>> Subject: Re: [data-protection] Health data scenario
>>>
>>> Patients have a right under the DPA (and I think elsewhere) to see 
>>> their
>>> medical records but surely the best course of action would be to ask 
>>> him
>>> to obtain them from the original data holder, i.e. his GP.  I think 
>>> this
>>> would also be the most appropriate course of action in the case of a
>>> report specifically prepared for the University by the GP.
>>>
>>> Don't get embroiled in a tug of data between the GP and the student if
>>> you can avoid it.
>>>
>>> David Hirst
>>> Head of Legal Services
>>> University of Sunderland
>>>
>>> Okey, Andrew wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>> One for all you fellow HE types out there. Any comments/thoughts on 
>>>> the
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> following scenario gratefully received...
>>>>
>>>> A student due to take exams here is affected by illness.
>>>>
>>>> The student gave our support team permission to approach their GP   
>>>> for relevant medical details. This we did, obtaining the info   
>>>> direct from the GP.
>>>>
>>>> Now the student has asked to see these records. What parts of   
>>>> which laws might apply? (I'm particularly concerned that there's   
>>>> probably specific legislation relating to medical/health records   
>>>> that has an influence beyond the terms of the DP act..)
>>>>
>>>> Thanks in advance,
>>>>
>>>> Andrew Okey
>>>> Administrative Officer
>>>> Student Registry
>>>> Lancaster University
>>>> [log in to unmask]
>>>> 01524-592138 (internal ext: 92138)
>>>>
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