DWP want full DIRECT access to claimants medical records!

sparkle22

I've read something that is actually REALLY frightening to me.
That the DWP is in the process of developing technology that will directly access claimants medical records, that this is aimed at speeding up the process, and that we should be happy about it!  So if they get their way, instead of contacting my GP and asking the GP the relevant questions, they will just log directly into my full medical records including any secondary care etc 
They are currently tendering a contract to a private company asking it to develop something that can link DWP to NHS and allow it the access it wants. 
I'm going to write to my MP as I'm really not happy about this, I have told my GP and other secondary care CONFIDENTIAL things, I dont want anyone to have access to my medical file, least of all the DWP. 

sparkle22

https://www.digitalmarketplace.service.gov.uk/digital-outcomes-and-specialists/opportunities/8859

This is a link to the advert

poppy123456

They can't access anything at all without permission from a claimant because of data protection rules.

michfinch

I’ve nothing to hide. 

michfinch

Plus I’m sure there will be a level of seniority required before you can access.

poppy123456

In fact, it maybe a good thing because i have nothing to hide and if they want to access my medical records then i certainly won't be stopping them.

sparkle22

They've already done a trial last summer, it is unclear whether the claimants involved knew they were part of the trial, and whether they gave specific consent to allow full access, or whether the DWP used the general "can contact anyone involved in your care" to them allow them full access to their files.

Well I do have something to 'hide' if thats the word you would like to use. I've discussed very sensitive and personal information with a psychotherapist and a GP. I was told at the time that what I said would be confidential unless it harmed myself or another person (which it didnt) so as far as I'm concerned being on a disability benefit should not mean I have to waive my right to confidentiality in areas not related to my claim.
I have no issue with them contacting anyone involved in my care, and the DWP asking them relevant questions, or filling in relevant forms, I understand the need for that, but I dont agree with them accessing my full medical records directly.

wilko

As poppy as stated they will only be granted access if you give consent.

sparkle22

Yes I understand that you have to give consent, but will the consent say "you give permission for us to contact people involved in your care", as it does now, or will it say "full access to your medical records".  I dont give consent for the latter.
I'm concerned that they will still use the former, and people wont be aware of what they are agreeing to.

I'm also surprised by the total trust and faith you have in the DWP to do the right thing, when they've just been taken to court for discriminating against people who are mentally ill. This is not to benefit us, this is to benefit them.

poppy123456

Consent will be needed for them to access your full medical records because of the new data protection rules.

Like i said, i have nothing to hide and if they want to access my medical files they will be given consent. Only problem is they will need an extremely long time to read through them because my medical file is huge. I wish them good luck on that one.

sparkle22

It isnt about hiding anything @poppy123456 the DWP can already contact EVERYONE involved in my care, they can get all of the information they need that way.
I'm not sure why you keep referring to 'hide' as though because I dont agree with this I'm somehow dishonest. I can assure you I have nothing to hide that is related to my claim, it isnt about disclosure its about confidentiality.
The DWP wont be reading through your file, they will be downloading it, and then using keyword software to scrape what they assume to be relevant parts. They wont be contacting your GP or specialists anymore. They will decide what is useful and relevant from your file. If you read the link its all contained above.

Government_needs_reform

sparkle22 said:

They've already done a trial last summer, it is unclear whether the claimants involved knew they were part of the trial, and whether they gave specific consent to allow full access, or whether the DWP used the general "can contact anyone involved in your care" to them allow them full access to their files.

Well I do have something to 'hide' if thats the word you would like to use. I've discussed very sensitive and personal information with a psychotherapist and a GP. I was told at the time that what I said would be confidential unless it harmed myself or another person (which it didnt) so as far as I'm concerned being on a disability benefit should not mean I have to waive my right to confidentiality in areas not related to my claim.
I have no issue with them contacting anyone involved in my care, and the DWP asking them relevant questions, or filling in relevant forms, I understand the need for that, but I dont agree with them accessing my full medical records directly.

@sparkle22 im with you on this one, I also i wont allow it either... when people say anything to hide "NO" i just dont want any willy nilly know comple personal stuff about  me that ive discused with my Drs etc.

The DWP have more than enough of the relevant information on me, as ive said to the DWP on their forms certain stuff i will never talk or share with anyone what happend. 

What all this is all about is big brother watching you approach, im sick of these people and their third party companys.

I will never allow acess to this amd when i see my Drs etc im going to make sure they cannot release any of my information without explicit consent.

I have said to myself anyway I won't go through any more assessments or filling in forms ive had enough of this and this country and their bull****t policys.

This may well serve some people well, sorry, not me or many other disabled.

As for the saying "nothing to hide" its not about that, I just don't want strangers dragging stuff up that happend to me when i was young.

 

michfinch

I am sure we’ll all be covered under some kind of secrets act.

lindadenise

DWP Cannot access medical records without your consent. I know that for a fact, i worked for the NHS for 23 yrs before i was became too ill to continue. Data protection laws are in place. DO not worry too much.

Government_needs_reform

DWP ‘data slurping’ of medical records a good idea for speeding up decision making or a threat to patient confidentiality? Let us know what you think. 

Some concern of others? Taken from Benefits & Work..

Government_needs_reform

michfinch said:

I am sure we’ll all be covered under some kind of secrets act.

@michfinch The DWP are a law of their own they will do as they want. Yes im keeping my personal life of what I don't want to be discussed under my secrets act. This government has, and is taking the p***s.

lindadenise

Data Protection is in place and i for one do not like the thought of them looking at all my medical records.
I have nothing to hide but its very intruding to be honest. 

michfinch

Honestly, if it speeds up process’ I don’t mind so long as I know:
a) Why they are looking.
b) When.
c) The data remains confidential.

wildlife

DWP have no medical knowledge to use the information so it will be passed on to the Assessment Providers. Do we trust them? I think I know the answer to that. What concerns me is that the way it works now the claimant can ask the surgery for information they think is relevant to their claim or ask the Doctor to write a letter about a specific thing that is being challenged if the assessor has got it wrong. In other words they are in control of their own personal records. DWP accessing what are often extensive medical records wouldn't work in the same way. Who's going to make the decision as to what information is needed if Case Managers haven't got any medical know how.  

sparkle22

lindadenise said:

DWP Cannot access medical records without your consent. I know that for a fact, i worked for the NHS for 23 yrs before i was became too ill to continue. Data protection laws are in place. DO not worry too much.

But as I stated above will signing a form that says "I allow you to contact anyone involved in my care" as we do now, also allow them to take my medical files "as I've given consent".
So have I already given consent for this as far as they are concerned?
Disability discrimination laws are also in place but that didnt deter the DWP.

sparkle22

michfinch said:

Honestly, if it speeds up process’ I don’t mind so long as I know:
a) Why they are looking.
b) When.
c) The data remains confidential.

If it speeds up the process how do we know it will be for the better; eg to make a fair and accurate assessment. Speed isnt the most important factor. 
It already answers your questions in the link, they can look at any time while you need support, they dont guarantee the data will remain confidential etc