Edenfield Road Surgery, OL11 5AQ

Patient Rights to Record Consultations Policy V1

While the NHS discourages unauthorized recording, there is a legal distinction regarding personal recordings:

Personal Use: Patients are generally allowed to make audio recordings of their own, private consultations (e.g., with a GP or consultant) as a form of "note-taking" under the Data Protection Act however this should be with consent from the clinician as they are being recorded as well.

Best Practice: Even if permitted, we ask you to inform the clinician first and at each consultation. The British Medical Association (BMA) notes that doctors have a reasonable expectation of privacy and it is better for the therapeutic relationship to ask first.

Limitations: This right only applies to private consultations. It does not give patients the right to record other people, staff in shared areas, or to share recordings of staff publicly on social media. Such areas are subject to strict data protection measures.

Why Recording is Restricted

Data Protection & Privacy: Unauthorized recording can breach GDPR and data protection laws if other patients and staff are identifiable.

Confidentiality: It protects patient information and prevents the leaking of sensitive medical environments.

Safety and Care: Filming can be distracting for staff and disruptive to patient care.  It can also be very dangerous and upsetting for our patients who may be under safeguarding arrangements, vulnerable, seeking treatment or help in confidence and or subjects of domestic violence, or abuse.

Trust is an important part of our relationship with our patients, without these the basis of safe care falls down.  Any breach of this policy may result in legal action and / or removal from our Practice list.

If you have any concerns over recording consultations please do speak to your clinician, we are here to help.

Created: 05.04.2026 V1 / Review due: April 2028 or as needed.