Health Survey of Aircrew and ATCOs

[Georgeablelovehowindia]

The January 2002 issue of CHIRP's Feedback has, on the front page: "The following item has been included at the request of the CAA Medical Department:" It then goes on to explain about the Health Survey of Aircrew and ATCOs, in some detail.. .Now, I wonder why the CAA did that? All recipients of the survey had an explanatory covering letter from Dr Isabel dos Santos Silva, the study co-ordinater at London University.. .I believe the relevant sentence in Feedback is the one that begins paragraph three: "Unless licence holders receiving a questionnaire object, investigators (who must keep all records confidential) at London University will be provided with the relevant aspects of the medical record held by the CAA Medical Division." . .It means EXACTLY what it says. If you do not return the survey or reply to any chase-up communication, the CAA will deem this to be implied consent and will pass on your medical records! I understand that they have taken legal advice which confirms this procedure complies with the provisions of the Data Protection Act. . .If you do not wish your medical records to be released, you should write to:. .Dr Sally Evans (Survey). .CAA Medical Division. .Aviation House. .Gatwick Airport South. .West Sussex. .RH6 0YR

[Hew Jampton]

But why should anybody who is not paranoid or sheer bloody-minded wish to hinder this important work, which will ultimately benefit us all, by objecting?