A HILLINGDON GP says he feels vindicated for protecting patient data at his two practices following a warning that some NHS bodies may have been unlawfully sharing confidential records. 

The warning, from the National Data Guardian for Health and Social Care, will put pressure on NHS England.

It is already being urged by his patients to reinstate Dr Sashi Shashikanth in a dispute over patient data, which has placed his practices in Cowley and Pield Heath Road, Hillingdon, under a cloud. 

Dr Shashikanth said: “I feel totally vindicated. This letter shines a bright light on the whole area of confidential patient data.

“My patients didn’t want their records shared with the local Primary Care Network because they were worried it could be shared with third parties.”

Patients’ groups from Dr Shashikanth’s two surgeries met Hayes & Harlington MP John McDonnell this week as they launched a campaign to try to resolve Dr Shashikanth’s case without further legal action.

Mr McDonnell has promised to raise the issues in Parliament.

The GP added: “This whole saga is totally unnecessary. At a time when GP workload is on the increase,  I’m being forced to divert  time, energy and resources into fighting an unnecessary legal battle.

“I’m seeking to have my termination notices rescinded by NHS England. It’s time for this affair to be resolved, particularly as we’ve been treated differently to other similar practices in England.”

Heart transplant patient Dennis Ball, 77, who has been treated by Dr Shashikanth for nearly 20 years, said: “He must be given his full status back and should be able to practise how he and his patients wish.”