NO - Dr David Love, joint chairman, the British Medical Association'sScottish GPs committee
Of course GPs should share information where there are concerns aboutthe safety of children. But now inspectors are looking at records thatmay or may not involve child protection issues. An inspector has theright to look at the notes of any child under 18. So a girl who has comefor sexual health advice would have lay people, social workers orpolice, reading her notes. As a result, patients could be deterred fromconfiding in doctors at all.
YES - Ruth Stark, professional officer, the British Association ofSocial Workers Scotland
This will help make sure the problems between GPs and other agencieswe've had in the past are not repeated. At the Caleb Ness inquiry, itwas found that medical professionals didn't share information vital tochildren's assessments. Police, education and social workers have beencalling for more openness in terms of the responsibility ofprofessionals around risk assessment. Why should GPs be exempt? Healthservices must understand children's lives are at stake.
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