Copying clinical letters to patients
The NHS Plan and this Trust are committed to patients having the option to receive copies of clinicians’ letters about them. We hope that this information will help you to decide if you want to receive a copy of your letters, you can also discuss it in more details during your consultation with the doctor. Only the patient, or in the case of a child, a parent/guardian can request a copy of letters and you can change your mind at any time.
What kind of letters will I receive?
We will send you letters from this Trust’s doctors and healthcare professionals to your GP, other hospital doctors or outside agencies following a consultation with you. You will not receive test results such as blood tests.
What are the benefits for me?
The Department of Health has identified the following potential benefits:
- More trust between patients and clinicians
- Patients and carers have a better understanding of their condition and how they can help themselves
- Patients are more informed and more able to make decisions about treatment options
- Patients who understand the reasons for following advice are more likely to comply
- More accurate demographic records e.g. address, date of birth etc – errors can be spotted and corrected by the patient.
- Patients are better prepared for their treatment and less anxious
- The letters reinforce advice on self-care and life styles
Are there any reasons I would not receive clinical letters?
Some exceptions may be if:
- You choose not to receive them for whatever reason
- The clinician feels that it may cause you harm or for other reasons
Why would I choose not to receive the letters?
Some considerations include:
- You do not want written information about your illness - there may be information in the letter that could upset you
- You believe you have sufficient information
- You have problems with privacy at home and do not want other members of your family to know about your illness
- You feel that you are criticising the doctor in that they have not given you the information you wanted during your consultation
What if I need the information in different format?
If letters are not suitable, please inform us and we will endeavor to provide the information in another way such as tape recording, large print or a different language.
I have made my decision
If you decide you do not want a copy of your letters, you don’t need to do anything. We will only send letters out if they are requested.
If you decide you want a copy of your clinical letters please download the Consent form and send it to your Consultant’s secretary.
Your letters can be sent to another address if you prefer, but you must let us know. We will send letters by second class mail. Please allow up to six weeks for receipt of the letter.
We will make every effort to ensure your confidentiality is maintained, however, we cannot be held responsible for postal service breaches of confidentiality where letters are misdirected and read by someone other than the patient.
Other ways to view letters and obtain information
Under the Data Protection Act 1998 you can request a copy of your medical records. Please apply in writing to the Medical Records Manager. An administration charge of £10.00 is made to cover the cost of copies. You may also choose to read your notes as an inpatient at a time agreed with a health professional or receive copy notes. In either case your Consultant must agree to this to ensure that no harmful information is released.
Helpline
If you have any queries about the content of your letter, please ring The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support help line on 0151 482 7722 from 10 am – 4 pm Monday to Friday.
Alternatively, you can contact the PALS helpline on 0151 482 7927
Department of Health website www.doh.gov.uk