When should I disclose information to the police?

Sally Old MDU medico-legal adviser
ByDr Sally Old
Published05 February 2020
Confidentiality between doctors and patients is an important principle, but it’s not absolute in the UK. Dr Sally Old explores the times you may need to disclose patient information to the police.

Requests for patient information should always be considered carefully.

Photo credit: Bigstock
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This page was correct at publication on 05/02/2020. 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 Sally Old
Medico-legal adviser

Sally was a consultant clinical oncologist before joining the MDU in 2006. She trained in hospital medicine before specialising in cancer treatment, including radiotherapy. With a main interest in thoracic oncology, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, her clinical role involved producing reports for solicitors and the local Coroners. This sparked her desire to know more about medico-legal medicine. Sally has an LLM in Medical Law and Ethics from the University of Kent. She is a Member of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine and sits on its Revalidation Committee.

When should I disclose information to the police?