Is Breaking Patient Confidentiality a ‘Hypocritical Oath’?

Is Breaking Patient Confidentiality a Hypocritical Oath?

I can’t help but feel for the Catholic nurse, who in the eyes of many chose to ‘breach of confidentiality‘ and risk being “Struck off”.

The patient confidentiality of a 16 year old was broken without consent by a nurse who happened to know her and then chose to in-form another member of the 16 year old external family that she had seen her receiving treatment at a hospital in which she was employed.

A hospital in Luton has launched an internal review following reports that an NHS nurse allegedly called the relative of a teenage girl who had been admitted to hospital with complications following an abortion.

According to reports, the 16-year-old girl was thrown out of her home when her devoutly Catholic mother was informed of her decision to have a termination.

The nurse, said to be a friend of the girl’s aunt, allegedly placed the call when the teenager was taken to hospital suffering from side-effects of the procedure. Luton and Dunstable Hospital said it was reviewing the circumstances of the case.

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“Luton and Dunstable Hospital has a strong track record in protecting the privacy and dignity of patients and we wish to reassure our patients that any breach of confidentiality is of the utmost concern for the hospital and one which we would regard as a very serious matter.”

Source: Nursingtimes.co.uk

I suppose it is down to a question of ‘The Codes and Conducts’ of that particular nurse.

Judgement or disciplinary, must be on her professionalism and not her religious or obligatory attitude and views.

Should someone in this role of respect and access to patients information in any shape way or form be accountable for their actions?

Let me know your thoughts on this very sensitive and controversial story?

Dawn Pugh Therapy expert.

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