GPs & primary care professionals

Patient confidentiality

Confidentiality is recognised by law as an essential patient right and doctors have an ethical duty to keep patient information confidential. This detailed and up-to-date section explains the issues surrounding confidentiality and the duties of a GP. It also offers guidance to members who think there may be good reasons to breach confidentiality but are unsure whether they can.

Advice articles

• Electronic records raise security risks - 10 January 2008
• Tackling violent or abusive patients - 1 December 2007
• The Mental Capacity Act – questions - 7 November 2007
• GMC publishes new guidance on treating under 18s - 23 October 2007
• Diabetes, hypoglycaemia and driving - 23 August 2007
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Case histories

• Driving licence revoked - 1 December 2003
• Pressure to breach confidentiality - 1 October 2002
• Drunk in charge of bicycle - 1 January 2002
• Divorce and disclosure of medical records - 1 January 2002

Advice calls

• Ring of confidence - 1 December 2007
• Chaperones - 1 December 2007
• Police request for CCTV footage - 1 June 2007
• Patient confession - 1 June 2007
• Disclosure of confidential information to the police. - 1 December 2006
• View all (30)