This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?

"Request for documentation"

About: Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France / Vascular Surgery

(as a service user),

Finally got an appointment again with the vascular team, three months after my ultrasound, and had an explanation about what the scan had shown and was also shown a detailed diagram with notes diagnosing the issues and possible treatments. 

The doctor said that it was really up to me whether I had a surgical procedure to hopefully resolve my issues but insisted there was no hurry.

I asked if I could have a copy of  the detailed diagram to enable me to make an informed choice, nope, neither could I take an image with my smartphone.

I was told that it would contravene the data protection act. How would I contravene this act, the document had my address on it, well it would as that is where I live.

So the only way to get a copy is to use NHS Lothian legal services and apply for a copy which means a lengthy wait.

How does NHS Lothian expect me to make an informed decision with out my being able to look over the evidence? Given that I have been prescribed 2 unnecessary surgical procedures which did not go ahead because I questioned there need this seems a rather petty excuse for not providing the me the patient a copy of the relevant documentation when requested.

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Jeannette Morrison, Head of Patient Experience, NHS Lothian 5 years ago
Jeannette Morrison
Head of Patient Experience,
NHS Lothian
Submitted on 18/12/2018 at 17:19
Published on Care Opinion on 19/12/2018 at 10:33


Dear MrFraggle,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us via Care Opinion.

I am sorry that you were unable to takes copies of the documentation following your recent appointment with the vascular team, I can only imagine how frustrating this must have been for you.

If you wish to access any of your records, you can do this via a request to the Legal Services Team and their contact details are:

Legal Services, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA

Telephone: 0131 242 3041 or 0131 242 3042
Email: Lothian.LegalServices@nhs.net

I hope that they can help.

Kind regards

Jeannette

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by MrFraggle (a service user)

I know exactly how to apply. From my post you will see that I actually included the information you have added in your answer,

I do not think this helps in any way.

Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k