I am so angry and upset.

lukanmisskitty

So I have just managed after nagging and nagging at my GP practice to see my medical records. I now finally get to find out what they have been writing down about me. And I am disgusted to be honest I am feeling extremely angry but also I feel like crying. I am so low at the minute anyway and reading them has just made me feel even worse and hopeless. Part of my medical records I found out earlier this year had been lost years ago my GP told me this she said oh when we was moving buildings we lost a lot of medical records. I said to her don't you think people should of been informed of this because some people have not got a clue. Anyway she just shrugged her shoulders and said well to be honest we tend to get rid of a lot of medical records anyway because if we kept everyone's records up untill they die we would be swamped. I told her I thought this was wrong because I have been registered here from birth. And according to their records that they have left I only started to exist from age 18. So nothing before that if I was born with a problem well tough because they not got it on record. Anyways I have now read through what is left of my records and I couldn't believe what I was reading and this is from all different GPS mainly locum doctors. So I suffer with very severe depression and I take anti depressants for this. I have over the years taken all different ones and some work and some don't. The ones I am taking now have worked best for me and I have been on them a long time. So one of the GPS I seen a handful of times before she disappeared into thin air and moved on. She said apparently I am depressed but in her opinion I am possibly just having a bad day. She goes on to say my problem is down to the fact I refuse to open up and she can't understand what exactly is wrong with me but in her opinion I am a victim and I always will be because I have a victim like personality and not much can be done to help me. She fails to mention I was actually going through a bereavement at the time and it was very raw. Another GP I seen said this patient says she doesn't feel like her anti depressants are working I think maybe she wants us to do magic tricks. How dare he say that I was in tears and suicidal at the time I just wanted someone to listen. They are just two examples which I think are very unprofessional I feel like they are trying to minimise my problems they didn't know the first thing about me and I remember I felt at the time like they didn't even try. And don't get me wrong I have seen some decent GPS over the years and what they wrote is completely different. I don't know if I am overreacting I just felt angry and sad that a few GPS I have seen seem to have just written me off and been very dismissive. The ones that think they are too good to even speak to me because I'm just a mere peasant to them. Some GPS are willing to learn about mental health but a good few I've met seem to deny depression is a real thing. I will be putting I a complaint I just needed to vent.

Albus_Scope

Sorry to hear that @lukanmisskitty that's certainly a lot to take in and can't be easy for you.
I think some GPs are much better than others when it comes to mental health issues, I know I had to "shop around" until I found one that really knew their stuff.

I also have had my medical records lost, mine only start from the age of 32, which isn't very helpful! Unfortunately it's quite common for records to be pruned.

Leigh14

Hi @lukanmisskitty . I am so very sorry that you have had to read that on your records. It truly is awful what has been written. In my opinion, that speaks volumes of those GP’s than it does about you. I’ve always been lucky with regards to my depression and GPs understanding of it.
You’re right to put in a complaint (good for you)

I’m not surprised that you are angry, I would be too. Don’t waste too many tears though, they are simply not worth it. Hope you’re ok..

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lukanmisskitty

@HarryMr yeah its not on losing people's records or messing with them I think it's awful.

lukanmisskitty

@Leigh14 aww thx for your kind words bloody rubbish god knows how they even got qualified.

lukanmisskitty

@Albus_Scope yeah I had a brilliant mental health Dr years ago and I really miss her she was worth her weight in gold.i could talk to her about anything. Unfortunately she had to leave our surgery due to family probs.

WhatThe

I'm another..

I remember very long ago seeing similar dismissive handwritten notes about me and it was very upsetting to know I was not believed at all.

The practice managers summarise what they think is relevant and when you're feeling stronger, you can request to have your medical notes amended.

Are you in the catchment area for another surgery perhaps?

egister

Is there a law that requires all medical records or copies thereof to be made available to the patient upon request?

Sharebear

I'm so sorry to hear what the drs wrote. They need to walk a mile in your shoes to understand how your illness affects you. How can they be so judgemental. I know how long it can take to summon up courage to go to drs. Sending hugs your way.

Agulu

You told the truth, I have the same thing, I also read the reports, and I found out that in the referral to the ophthalmologist, the GP attached my records. I understand the medications, illnesses, but information about my debts? And the GP made me another appointment because they want more information about mental health to refer the mental health team, I have already said a lot but suicide attempts, self-harm, what my uncle did to me when I was a child, are not enough. How can I tell the GP more, since everyone sees it and adds records without my consent. It is terrible, and during the visit, she repeated it all the time for only 10 minutes. I don't know what to do

Sharebear

@Agulu one of my drs left notes about reasons for my depression and anxiety and told me they encrypted them or locked them for secure staff only. This as far as I'm aware has meant that non of the admin staff or nurses had access. I wish you lots of luck with your journey.

Agulu

Is no true, login to nhs, connect with your gp,and you see everything

the reception lady she is from my country, she told me this information see everyone,like she see too and any stuff who open my account

Sharebear

I have logged into my GP and records and not able to see anything sensitive. I'm unsure if there is another reason it's different for us. I will login again and double check. Take care .

Agulu

Go to Your GP health records, NHS APP

mrsBB

It is true that patients can see some very sensitive information on the NHS site but I couldn't find it on the app itself. I found mine by accident, I wasn't even looking for that info but sure enough it was there, I screenshot it and sent it to my Daughter as I was really shocked that this particular very private info was even viewable not only to me but also to anyone who has, I guess , medical access to the NHS

WhatThe

Is there a law that requires all medical records or copies thereof to be made available to the patient upon request?

The NHS Constitution sets out the principles, values, rights and pledges underpinning the NHS as a comprehensive health service, free at the point of use for all who need it.

Agulu

Yes, but you have to go to gp,,with id and order,probably you need pay for this, my gp work like that

WhatThe

Agulu, my GP didn't charge and yours shouldn't

Agulu

My GP is not good,

Rachel_Scope

@WhatThe and @Agulu. I found some information about being charged for medical record copies and it says that it is generally free unless there have been 'multiple requests' that could be deemed as 'excessive'. If this is not the case @Agulu you should not have been charged. I'm sorry your GP isn't very good. Are you able to see a different one?