Accessing medical records on inspections – a letter from our Chief Executive, David Behan

Our chief executive, David Behan has written to a number of organisations that we work with to clarify why we look at patient records, following recent misreporting in the news and on social media.

Our inspectors have been viewing patient records as part of their work for some time and the letter highlights how important it is for them to access records. It allows them to check the quality of care for patients and people who use services, the letter says.

We recognise sensitivities surrounding the confidentiality of medical records in general practice, which is why our inspectors adhere to a Code of Practice on Confidentiality.

The letter, which has gone the Royal College of General Practitioners, the British Medical Association, the Health Select Committee and NHS England among others, points out that GP surgeries can anonymise patient records if they wish to. It also gives details about how medical records support our inspection process. The letter has also been copied to Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health.

For example, it allows inspectors to check whether recommendations made in letters from hospital have been implemented, and whether people with long term conditions have their care reviewed regularly.

This helps our inspectors to make sure patients are getting care that is safe, effective, compassionate and of good quality.

A full copy of the letter can be found below.

Letter from David Behan about accessing medical records during inspections