If you are planning to have treatment in a private hospital, I would strongly advise that you question the staff closely about what guarantees will be given on patient confidentiality.  This applies whether you are going to be a private patient or are an NHS patient due to receive treatment in a private hospital.  If you are going to be a paying patient then consider getting legal advice on making patient confidentiality a term of your contract with the private hospital.

My experience has been that confidentiality was breached by personal information being given to a relative who previously received a police Caution for trying to cause me serious harm. She was also seen trying to enter my property in another attempt to cause me harm.  The hospital knew about these incidents but apparently decided not warn me that she had been given the notes on counselling I had received.  I find this appalling as it seems that they are simply trying to protect their own position by denying the the whole situation.  Many people in my locality are aware of the breach and the hospital’s response to it.  Most are not too impressed.

It appears that the company which owns the hospital is putting cash flow ahead of  ethical behaviour and patient care.  I am aware that such organisations have insurance cover for incidents like this.

Please be warned – something similar could well happen to you, and trust me it will not be pleasant!

Thank you for your comments and thoughts,  I will respect your confidentiality.