Medical Records are Missing

[Jockyfisher]

Afternoon all,
Currently am applying as an officer I have filled out my initial questionnaire, had the phone medical and was then TMU'd for acne and told to come back in another 6 weeks, however when I went to my GP to get treatment I was informed that my medical records have still not been received from my previous surgery.

I phoned the previous surgery and they told me that my medical record was sent off on the 1st August 2016 to some sort of central processing station run by Capita. It now being 7 months later and I don't have a medical record at my current GP's surgery after they have requested several times, and no one can tell me where it is. I have put all my medical information on the questionnaire but I am well aware that they will need to see my medical records for my knee dislocation - around 2 years ago and childhood asthma - around 13 years ago.

I have filled in an application for access to health records and will send it off when my cheque book arrives - 50 quid!! but could it be possible they've actually lost these records and what does that mean for my (potential) future career ? B****y Capita absolutely useless just want to get on with the process to be honest been long enough already!!

Does anyone have any experience with getting their medical records or not being able to find them and will the navy be able to help in this respect? for instance if the medical officer requests records from my GP and they're unavailable is that the end of the line for me until they get found? or can they request them centrally? I can see starting at BRNC might be an issue with no medical history.

Any help is much appreciated, cheers!!

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

I'd be inclined to speak to your practice manager and ask whether they have a digital copy of your medical records. If they do, sorted. If they don't speak to your previous practice manager and ask them what they intend doing with regard your medical records, whether a duplicate set can be made. They may well be in breach of the data protection act if they have irretrievably lost your entire medical records.

The Navy just wants a copy of them, beyond asking, there is little else they can do until a copy turns up unfortunately.

 

[Jockyfisher]

Many thanks @Ninja_Stoker I know you're a busy man, when the navy request the records do you know if they request them from my GP or Capita directly - wondering if the navy perhaps have a little more clout and will get Capita to buck up!!

 

[T5igger]

My hospital ended up losing my medical notes which included a surgery I had with them. In the end my doctor, orthodontist and surgeon just had to write as much as they could remember and send it to the Navy. It wasn't ideal but it had everything important in there. The doctor I saw was happy with this as well as everything was fully disclosed and was signed off by three medical processionals. I'm unsure if your GP would know everything about you though...

It is a breach of data protection like Ninja said, I ended up going to a meeting with someone senior in the NHS. It didn't really make a difference but at least they were trying to do something... A year and a half later my notes magically appeared? Rumour had it my surgeon was taking notes home and once he retired he returned them all.

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

Many thanks @Ninja_Stoker I know you're a busy man, when the navy request the records do you know if they request them from my GP or Capita directly - wondering if the navy perhaps have a little more clout and will get Capita to buck up!!

The Navy use Capita to conduct their medical administration so the irony is, the same company is paying itself to request and provide your medical history. Odd innit?

With regard the navy bringing pressure to bear, I've yet to see the MoD invoke a penalty caveat on any defence contractor, let alone the Navy, so it is beyond highly unlikely unfortunately.