request for help with getting full GP medical records

[robertbob]

Hi

I just posted this in Lupus thread but thought would try here as well, as I know folk here are also very knowledgable. Im being treated for APS and another autoimmune disorder.

Getting a diagnosis and treatment where I was in Wales proved to be a complete nightmare. I want to possibly make a complaint and also possibly feed my experiences into research aimed at improving the diagnostic process for autoimmune diseases in general.

BUT

I received my (or a part of my) GP records last week and there seems to be more holes in the record than information provided. So I would be really grateful if folk could let me to know what should be there, so can get better idea of what has perhaps been held back. Including what kind of info you were given.

What was not there included:

1. No referral letters to consultants or for investigations

2. No notes at all relating to GP consultations I had. Is like they never occured. Should there not be some note made after each consultantion and maybe during it (including under GMC guidance), recording what was said, decided etc?

3. Apart from copies of test results, there is nothing that records the GP's clinical findings or thinking about what is or might be wrong. For example, there is no note subsequent to my consultant writing to GP saying what he thinks could be wrong.

4. No notes of phone calls, like with hospitals.

5. No notes of GP discussions about my case.

Thanks very much for any help you can give.

Kind regards

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[Anabanana25]

Hi. I recently made a data request for my records. I'm in the Devon area but recently moved from Gloucestershire, with a brief 5 months in another area! I requested all info over a 8 year period to include blood test results. I was surprised with what they provided as I expected to need to look into v the other locations myself.

I got information for the full 8 years as requested. Al info was provided, including full gp apt information, referrals from gps to hospital, even records of my maternity and births.

If it can be done in this area it should be done in yours.

When you made the request, did you fill in an official data request form? It is an official process and they can take up to 40 (I think) days to process it. They can also charge you a minimal fee (my surgery didn't).

If you did fill in a form and they followed the official process, I would think you should speak to the CAB or healthwatch who can support you with the next steps.

[robertbob in reply to Anabanana25]

Hi

Thanks a lot for your reply. It was useful to hear some of the type of info that you got and which should therefore be available to me.

You are just over the water from me. At least I think its Devon I can see across Swansea Bay. Hope you are doing well there. Its a nice county I think. There again, Im biased, having been born there.

Yep, I requested the data correctly; just didnt get a lot of what I think there should be. I will look into Healthwatch.

Thanks again.

TC

R

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi, Looking into things with Healthwatch, and CAB is a good idea, but so also is PALS, and indicating to all parties that you are gong to contact your MP with all copy correspondence, also for an appointment at their surgery. Try and keep calm, this sort of stuff can be very toxic and wearing. Let us know how you get on. MaryF

[robertbob in reply to MaryF]

Thanks a lot. and will do. R

[robertbob]

Thanks a lot for info.