Question

A police officer attends the emergency department asking for details of a patient you treated for minor injuries after a pub fight, stating that they “”need the notes for their report””. The patient has capacity and has not given consent. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Explain that you need the patient’s consent unless there is a legal requirement to disclose, and offer to seek consent

Answer

Provide full details of the consultation to assist the police

Answer

Refuse to speak to the police under any circumstances

Answer

Give anonymised information without consent

Answer

Hand over the full record and ask the police to keep it confidential

Practice question

A police officer attends the emergency department asking for details of a patient you treated for minor injuries after a pub fight, stating that they “”need the notes for their report””. The patient has capacity and has not given consent. What is the most appropriate response?