should my confedentiality request have been ignored?

[tiny-tidawee]

My partner has hiv. The (full) condom came off and was far inside, as the sexual health dept was closed so A+E tookover. I stated that I wanted it kept confidential within the hospital. Next thing I receive a letter from my GP saying "we note that you attended A+E...etc...we see it was for a personal problem....and we can offer these services...."

I was fuming. I purposely didnt want my gp to know, for various reasons. I stated clearly this to A+E and to sexual health - I'm sure sex health arent to blame... Has this been a breach of confidentiality? Or has my GP just been given only the facts that I attended A+E (maybe a legal requirement?) but no further detail of everything else?

I havent spoken to my GP yet, or the hospital A+E, until I can get further advice I am not happy at all to think my GP may know every detail.

Can anybody advise please?

[Bbbananas]

I do think you need to look into this - it's not clear at the moment whether a breach of confidentiality about the HIV has been made.
A&E send a note to the registered GP surgery as a matter of course - but that sort of information should not have been on it. However they have given a hint "personal reasons.... offer these services...." that it may just have been disclosed. I can understand you are angry about this. Pursue it, if only for your own peace of mind.

[another-view]

"I stated that I wanted it kept confidential within the hospital"

They have done. It's not as if the papers know or you have posted it on a public website. Why wouldn't you want your GP to know your medical history?

Did the letter you received have any details of your visit to A+E or was it vague?

[Bbbananas]

But this is tiny's partner's medical history - not hers. It may be sort-of possibly in the future relevant ,but it is up to her whether she wants it disclosed or not.

[another-view]

But it is information that directly affected her and the GP should be aware.

[joeluke]

How did the condom just 'come off' inside you?

[Bbbananas]

Doesn't work like that av, not with the partner(s) of an HIV sufferer. She is entitled to medical confidentiality - her partner's sexual or health status or otherwise does not have to be disclosed on her own medical records.

[hc4361]

This is just a drive to reduce unnecessary attendace at A&E, when the matter is something the GP could have dealt with.
The GP does not know why you attended A&E, only that it was something he could have dealt with.

[joeluke]

In my experience condoms tend to be a fairly good fit and even after sex when the penis returns to it's normal state the condom does not just slip off

In his condition surely being extra safe and securing it at the base with an elastic band would have been a good idea?

[Bbbananas]

A laggy band? Ouch.... !!

[joeluke]

Salla, some men use them to maintain erections

[treetops1]

Is`nt all information shared now, unless you opt out. We have had letters here in Co Durham.

[AlBags]

JoeLuke
One day you will learn a bit more.
My girlfriend lost one for two days before it appeared again.
And I can assure you I am like a piece of oak : )

That is out of order .. and I would think your request was not noted down properly, or forgotten.
Write a letter of complaint to the affect .. your confidentiality with the consultant at this hospital was breached and you wish to know the reason why.

Good luck : )

[sherrardk]

Maybe you should contact the hospital first and ask for a copy of the letter/e mail sent to your GP (you can then ascertain if it was a standard letter or a letter containing precise details of your situation). If it was a standard letter then there is not much you can do about it. If it was a more detailed letter then you could complain through the appropriate channel.

[boxtops]

The hospital and the GP both have formal complaints procedures and either will tell you who you have to contact, if you want to pursue a complaint. They have to respond to you within a given number of days. I understand that the hospital is obliged to inform the GP, otherwise healthcare professionals don't know what's been happening to their patients. You could also contact the PALS service at your local Primary Care Trust, they are a helpful team who are there to help and advise patients about all sorts of issues.

[tiny-tidawee]

Thanks for replies folks, I am sending a letter requesting a copy of the letter sent by A+E to my doctor, then can take it from there. Will update.