What should I do to maintain the confidentiality of my medical records?

• All communications that relate to your confidential medical information should be with your 'informed and written consent'.
• Medical details should not be given to managers without your consent. Advice on an individual's fitness for work can usually be given 'in general terms' only.
• A GP or practice nurse communicating with your employer should always try to make contact through the employer's OH department (nurse or physician), rather than releasing medical details direct to line or personnel managers.
• A GP has a vital advocacy role to play in relation to your health at work. Many patients do not know how to use the NHS effectively, and do not have a strong voice or representation at work.
• However, unlike a GP, your employer's occupational physician is not the employee's 'personal medical attendant', and therefore has to be careful to give advice to both the employer and the employee that is as fair and objective as possible.