Posted by Tony Morgan on 07/02/06 00:14

In message <44a6dab4$1$79787$892e7fe2@authen.yellow.readfreenews.net>,
":::Jerry::::" <me@privacy.INVALID> writes
>
>"Anne R" <no@nomail.com> wrote in message
>news:Xns97F3C793C66874C1H4@127.0.0.1...
>> I'm in the UK and am looking for a secret camcorder similar to what
>> they probably use in TV documentaries.
>>
>> I'm getting really messed up by a doctor (NHS hospital doc) and I
>> want to record the stuff I have to go through in consultations as
>> proof for a complaint. The consultations are only discussion and
>not
>> a physical exam. Hard to explain but can't change doc easily.
>>
>
><snip crap>
>
>A, what you are proposing to do is probably [1] very close to being
>illegal (before TV companies use secret cameras they clear it with
>their legal depts.), any evidence gained might not be admissible in
>any form in legal, disciplinary and other proceedings whilst it could
>lead to a claim against you. You will also need to spend more than
>you will be able to afford I suspect - the pin hole camera that you
>need can be bought cheaply BUT you then need a small portable video
>recorder and this will set you back around a 1000 USD / GBP.
>
You're quite right Jerry. Such unauthorised recording is in
contravention of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights
which was introduced into UK law by the Human Rights Act 1998.

There are exceptions of course, i.e.
o Acting in the interests of national security, public safety
or the economic well-being of the country.
o Acting for the prevention of disorder or crime.
o Acting for the protection of public health or morals.

These are specified in the HRA (1998), but I find it hard to see that
Ann can include her specific case in any of the above.

Because of this, if it were discovered that Ann had made such
unauthorised recordings, she might have all care withdrawn from her, at
least by the hospital, and likely by her local NHS trust.

If she has a complaint about her diagnosis or treatment, she should make
a formal complaint (in writing) to her LHA. That way she would not be
dis-enfranchised from health care - irrespective of whether or not there
was any outcome from her complaint. LHAs are particularly sensitive
about formal complaints, since any outcome (whether or not in Ann's
favour) could result in litigation (and the award of substantial
damages) in years to come. So Ann is likely to have any issues quickly
resolved.
--
Tony Morgan

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