NI: Law Society and BMA unveil ‘joint consent form’ to simplify solicitor access to GP notes
Reading time: 2 minutes
Pictured (L-R): Law Society Council member Paul Dougan and senior vice-president Eileen Ewing; and BMA Northern Ireland general practice committee chair Dr Alan Stout and deputy chair Dr David Ross
A new consent form to improve the process by which solicitors seek a client’s GP notes and records has been launched by the Law Society of Northern Ireland and the British Medical Association (BMA).
The pilot represents the first in a series of joint initiatives from the two professional bodies and was unveiled at an event in Law Society House.
The development of the new “joint consent form” has come in response to an increase in requests for patient notes and records and a recognition by both professional bodies of the need to provide work collaboratively.
The new form is provided in a clear, concise and user friendly format and is supported by explanatory notes for the client, solicitor and GP in a compatible and easy-to-use format. The form is provided by the solicitor and is completed when the client attends to give instructions.
Eileen Ewing, senior vice-president of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, said: “The Law Society is delighted to be working with the BMA on this Joint Pilot initiative which will undoubtedly support both professions in the services they provide to clients and patients.”
Dr Alan Stout, chair of BMA Northern Ireland’s general practice committee, added: “Administration workload for GP’s has increased exponentially over the past few years and changes in data governance were adding to this burden. By developing this form in conjunction with the Law Society of Northern Ireland we hope that the process will be simplified and will free up GP time to see patients.”
Share this article:
Subscribe to our newsletter to not miss articles like this one:
SUBSCRIBE
