Dealing with requests from the police

Dr Edward Farnan
ByDr Edward Farnan
Published31 October 2022
Being contacted by the police - for any reason - can provoke a certain amount of anxiety for a doctor. Here's what you should know.

Medical confidentiality is not absolute, and there will be circumstances when disclosing information about patients is permitted or even required.

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This page was correct at publication on 31/10/2022. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

Dr Edward Farnan
Medico-legal adviser

MB BCh BAO LLM FRCGP DGM DCH DRCOG Dr Farnan graduated from Queen's University, Belfast, in 1995 and completed his GP training in Northern Ireland, practising as a principal in general practice in Armagh for 11 years. He also sat on a research ethics committee, and had a particular interest in clinical governance.

Dealing with requests from the police