Who can see NHS mental health records, and must you tell an employer?
Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026
Читать на русскомNHS records are not public
Mental health care is medical information. An employer does not automatically gain access to NHS records because you take an antidepressant or attend therapy. Access within healthcare relates to legitimate duties and confidentiality rather than unrestricted browsing by staff.
The GMC explains confidentiality obligations ↗. Disclosure may be required by law or justified in serious circumstances, so a promise of never sharing anything would be inaccurate.
Discussing health at work
What to disclose depends on the role, safety, sick leave and adjustments needed. You can begin with the effect on tasks and necessary support rather than recounting every consultation.
Acas describes disability discussions and confidentiality ↗. For regulated or safety-critical work, check specific obligations with occupational health or the relevant regulator. General advice cannot replace the particular rules for pilots, drivers and other regulated roles.
If a doctor's report is requested
Acas guidance ↗ says permission is needed to request a medical report. It should contain relevant work-related information rather than the entire medical history.
Ask about the purpose, questions, recipients and storage. You may request to see the report before disclosure and seek correction of inaccuracies through the applicable process. Refusal has practical consequences: the employer may decide using available information. Obtain individual advice in a dispute rather than signing an unclear consent form.
Practical steps
Agree who in the organisation needs to know and what information is necessary. If requesting an adjustment, describe a concrete change such as appointment scheduling or task organisation, with a review date.
Do not send screenshots of your entire NHS App to a general HR chat. Confirm a secure channel and the required scope. For suspected improper disclosure, begin with a written query to the employer or healthcare provider and approach Acas or the ICO as appropriate. Northern Ireland has a separate employment-advice route; Acas primarily covers Great Britain.