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Work medical question

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  • 20-07-2017 8:09pm
    #1
    supersonic94
    Registered Users Posts: 10 ✭


    So I recently accepted a new job and had my pre employment medical a couple of days ago.

    All went well but I was asked by the doctor do I have any previous medical history. I have a history of moderate depression and anxiety, and said I was on medication for a few months a couple of years back. The doc noted this on my file and also made a note that I am now happy and ready to work.

    I have been regretting disclosing this to the doc. My question is, who within a company, has access to my medical records and are they confidential and just needed for my file or could my new manager/management get access to these records if he/she so wishes?

    Thanks


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    #2
    Avatar MIA
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,750 ✭✭✭Avatar MIA


    supersonic94 wrote: »
    So I recently accepted a new job and had my pre employment medical a couple of days ago.

    All went well but I was asked by the doctor do I have any previous medical history. I have a history of moderate depression and anxiety, and said I was on medication for a few months a couple of years back. The doc noted this on my file and also made a note that I am now happy and ready to work.

    I have been regretting disclosing this to the doc. My question is, who within a company, has access to my medical records and are they confidential and just needed for my file or could my new manager/management get access to these records if he/she so wishes?

    Thanks

    A company doctor is paid by the company, and there would be no point in company paying for a medical if they didn't receive the results.

    Is he saying that you feel you're happy and ready to work or that he thinks you're ready to work?

    Re your medical records, they are HR files, a supervisor/non senior manager would not have access.


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    #3
    spaceHopper
    Registered Users Posts: 3,998 ✭✭✭spaceHopper


    supersonic94 wrote: »
    So I recently accepted a new job and had my pre employment medical a couple of days ago.

    All went well but I was asked by the doctor do I have any previous medical history. I have a history of moderate depression and anxiety, and said I was on medication for a few months a couple of years back. The doc noted this on my file and also made a note that I am now happy and ready to work.

    I have been regretting disclosing this to the doc. My question is, who within a company, has access to my medical records and are they confidential and just needed for my file or could my new manager/management get access to these records if he/she so wishes?

    Thanks

    I'd say it's private the medical is to prove you are fit for work and in case of a future claim say for example you hurt your back at work but also had a pre existing problem...


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    #4
    Stheno
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 51,688 Mod ✭✭✭✭Stheno


    spaceHopper wrote: »
    I'd say it's private the medical is to prove you are fit for work and in case of a future claim say for example you hurt your back at work but also had a pre existing problem...

    Unless there was a line on the former requiring the op to consent to the doctor sharing data with the company and op said yes


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    #5
    supersonic94
    Registered Users Posts: 10 ✭supersonic94


    Thanks for the responses.

    I am 100% fit and ready to work. that is not the issue.

    Basically, I dont want my new boss/management to know I previously dealt with anxiety and depression just as I start a new job as they might think differently of me from the off. I know this is a backward view but sadly mental health is still a taboo subject for some people.


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    #6
    griffin100
    Registered Users Posts: 4,874 ✭✭✭griffin100


    Unless the issue of your previous mental health issues has an impact on your ability to do the job or is relevant to same (eg if you were going to be a pilot) the the doctor should not inform the company.

    Medicals should have one of three outcomes - 1. fit for the job 2. fit for the job with modifications / restrictions 3. not fit for the job.


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    #7
    narwhal
    Registered Users Posts: 11 ✭narwhal


    griffin100 wrote: »
    Unless the issue of your previous mental health issues has an impact on your ability to do the job or is relevant to same (eg if you were going to be a pilot) the the doctor should not inform the company.

    Medicals should have one of three outcomes - 1. fit for the job 2. fit for the job with modifications / restrictions 3. not fit for the job.


    Agreed 100%! Nicely put.

    If you are worried about your employer treating you differently because of depression, that's discrimination and you can action that. For reassurance, you can ask HR/hiring manager not to disclose this.

    Keep in mind, your depression is classified as sensitive information and you have to consent to your employer having this information. You can ask them to get rid of that part of the medical record then as they do not need to know that.


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