We understand that family circumstances can be complex, and we recognise the importance of both parents being involved in their child’s healthcare.
However, we are increasingly receiving requests from non-resident parents asking to be contacted whenever their child is seen at the surgery or when correspondence is received from secondary care. Unfortunately, we are unable to fulfil these requests.
As an NHS GP practice, we do not have the administrative capacity or legal responsibility to act as an intermediary between parents. Our role is to provide medical care to our patients, not to mediate between separated or divorced parents. This includes managing communication between parties with joint parental responsibility.
While both parents with parental responsibility are entitled to access their child’s medical information, it is not feasible for the practice to proactively update each parent individually. If you wish to access your child’s records or be involved in their care:
- You may request access to medical records via a Subject Access Request (SAR).
- You may speak to your child’s clinician at the time of consultation, if present.
- We encourage communication between parents to ensure both are kept informed where appropriate.
Please also note that unless there are safeguarding concerns or legal restrictions in place, we will not withhold medical information from a parent with parental responsibility.
This approach is in line with NHS guidance and advice from national professional bodies including the Medical Defence Union (MDU), General Medical Council (GMC), and NICE. These confirm that GP practices are not required to inform both parents proactively, and should not act as intermediaries between them.
Our primary duty is to our patients and to the safe delivery of care.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Our focus remains on delivering safe and effective care to our patients, and we kindly ask that you do not place our team in the position of mediating between parents.
Further Information and Guidance
- Parental Responsibility – Medical Defence Union (MDU)
- Parental Responsibility Q&A – East London NHS Foundation Trust
- General Medical Council (GMC) – 0–18 years: Guidance for all doctors
- NICE Guideline NG204 – Babies, children and young people’s experience of healthcare