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may be easier to justify than revealing explicit clinical details.4
Safeguarding society Legislation provides for the obligatory disclosure of information under certain acts, for example the Criminal Appeal Act 1995, Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions Act) 1989, Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 and the Road Traffic Act 1988.5 As healthcare professionals interact with the public on a daily basis, they play a vital role in safeguarding; for example, in reporting child protection issues, spotting domestic abuse, or even spotting the potential for terrorist activity. The government’s Prevention of Terrorism Programme, drawn up to help combat home-grown terrorism after the 7/7 London bombings, places particular emphasis on healthcare professionals’ involvement in reporting instances where they suspect a patient may have been drawn into extremist activity. The strategy states: “Healthcare professionals may meet and treat those who are vulnerable to radicalisation.”6
healthcare worker can interpret these signs correctly, is aware of the support which is available and is confident in referring the person for further support.”7
Looking to the future? Can doctors really look into the future and say how someone might behave? In the UK, GPs receive written notification from the police whenever a patient applies for a licence, or applies for a renewal of a licence for a firearm or shotgun, to bring to their attention any medical condition that may affect shotgun or firearm ownership. However, it would be impossible for doctors to predict whether patients who own firearms would harm others in the future. A BMA spokeswoman said:
“If a doctor did have concerns about a patient who has a firearm, then of course they should raise this within the appropriate channels.” It is up to a doctor to use the information they have been given to make a professional judgment on the situation, and whether it is necessary to disclose information within the public interest.
It is important to remember that a doctor’s primary duty is to their patient. It is helpful to document any decisions and discussions that have taken place. You should document your disclosure
Those with learning difficulties or mental health problems are, it is argued, more easily drawn into terrorism. For example, Nicky Reilly, who has Asperger’s syndrome, was convicted of trying to blow up a shopping centre in Exeter. It is, however, extremely difficult to generalise or pigeonhole. Such monitoring could lead to heightened suspicion for no justifiable reason, leading to a loss of patients’ confidence in doctors, rather than any significantly improved detection of terrorists. The strategy goes on to explain: “The key challenge for the healthcare sector is to ensure that, where there are signs that someone has been or is being drawn into terrorism, the
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