Information to patients - Department of Health's Copying Letters policy..

[PVPVPV]

For info - not a question. Several weeks ago, an MPD patient was asking about getting her consultant/nurse at the hospital to give or show her her blood results. The doctor in question wasnt very helpful and the patient felt a bit intimidated. This is for her and any others interested.

After an appointment a week or so ago, I have just received a copy of the letter sent by the hospital to my GP, which starts. "As a result of the Trust's implementation of the Depart of Health's Copying Letters policy, we enclose a copy fo the letter sent from the hospital regarding your care. Should you not wish to receive copies, please advise..... etc.". The letter summarises what was discussed and includes all the blood results. I find this useful.

I looked on the Dept website but couldnt find the policy, which seems to have been introduced about 10 years ago See fampra.oxfordjournals.org/c...

Regards

[Foss33]

Thank you for this post - I was the one that got the "frosty" response when asking for this information. I will take a look into this.

Really appreciate you taking the time to post this, thank you , I am sure it will help others too.

Andrea

[MFBMT2011]

I live in herts and always get copies of all letters sent to my GP by specialists covering my appointment outcome. I always ask for, and am given, 4-5 key items in my blood count. I consider it an absolute right to have this information and cant see why any doctor would be unwilling to share the key items and,if any push the boundaries of normal,what they indicate. I started monitoring hgb, plateletts, wbc when first diagnosed with MF, watching my hgb as an indicator of potential transfusion, my lowest was 8.1 so it never happened pre transplant. I was then encouraged to do so during stem cell transplant as hitting certain levels were an indication of going home.

It is essential to keep abreast of your condition as you could meet different doctors, for other medical conditions, who might not be fully knowledgeable with the implications of your ongoing condition.

[bruddery in reply to MFBMT2011]

Hi there. I live in the Irish Republic and have a 'treatment book' which I carry around permanently. Every time I have an appointment all of my blood results are written in enabliong me to keep an eye on how things are doing. If I feel I am becoming unwell between appointments my own GP will take FBC's and these too get written in. A very useful document. If I have to attend any doctor, dentist, a & e unit etc. it is recommended by my team that the book is shown to the doctors etc.

[hollymae]

I found this an interesting post. When I was diagnosed with PV I was under the care of a locum consultant. I received a copy of all the letters sent to the GP. Since being transferred to the regular consultant these stopped coming. I don't really have a problem with that cost of postage etc, however in the early stages I found it useful. I do have to ask what my results are when I attend clinic but have never had a problem getting the information. Thanks bruddery that is good advice. Holly Mae

[MFBMT2011]

With you on that Bruddery. Always kept a journal at work and carried on the practice when I retired (early ). You can always refer back to what you were told and when.

[light]

I always get my information from doctor/hem at the time of my appointment and even a copy of the blood test, then the letter that was sent to my GP I get a copy too.I am Guy's hospital patient. My understanding is that we as patients have right to access our complete file if and when we request. That's what law says. Hope that this helps.