Disclosure to the police

There is no absolute requirement to disclose, or not to disclose information to the police. NHS guidance is that information should be disclosed to assist the police with the prevention or detection of serious arrestable offences.

Although there is no absolute definition of serious crime, the criminal evidence Act 1984 lists serious arrestable offences as:

• treason, murder, manslaughter, rape, kidnapping, certain sexual offences, causing an explosion, certain firearms offences, hijacking, causing death by reckless driving, offences under prevention of terrorism legislation
• where a court order is presented requiring the information
• where a threat is made, which if carried out would be likely to lead to death or serious injury, substantial financial gain or loss, serious interference with the administration of justice or investigation of an offence.

Theft, fraud and burglary (unless aggravated by assault) are unlikely to outweigh the duty of confidentiality to the patient. Information should not be disclosed in these cases. Seek guidance from the legal services department if in doubt.