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Reporting a patients epilepsy

Discussion in 'United Kingdom' started by len stevens, Jan 25, 2017.

  1. len stevens

    len stevens Member


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    Hi folks,
    As health professionals are we obliged to report a patient's epileptic seizure to their GP or the DVLA or is that the patient's responsibility/choice? Is patient confidentiality trumped by public health and safety?
    Cheers
    Len
     
  2. Craig Payne

    Craig Payne Moderator

    Articles:
    8
    You should take advice from the HCPC and professional body.

    If they are a school bus driver, then I would assume yes. How at risk is the public by the GP not knowing?
     
  3. len stevens

    len stevens Member

    I was thinking that even if a person had a normal license and are driving their own car then they would lose their license if they had a seizure due to the potential for having a seizure at the wheel and potentially hitting someone else.
     
  4. footman1972

    footman1972 Active Member

    The law requires a driver to notify the DVLA if they have a change in their medical status that could affect their ability to drive a car safely. If they don't they could face a fine of up to £1000. In terms of what we as health professionals should do, the best thing is to advise the patient to contact DVLA and document you have done so. If the patient continually refuses to do so and you believe they present a risk to the public if they continued to drive, then you may have a case for breaking confidentiality. Reporting an illness or disability doesn't necessarily mean their licence will revoked, but they still need to seek advice. Notifiable conditions include epilepsy, stroke, neuropathy, physical or visual impairment.
     
  5. Claire72

    Claire72 Active Member

    Hello Footman, are we the same age?!
     
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