ASK AN EXPERT
LAST weekend,
I left my mobile phone in a taxi. It was ringing at first but, after a couple of hours, the phone had been switched off.
The taxi driver told their control office that he never found the phone but I think he might be lying. What can I do about this? I’m really sorry to hear that you lost your phone. This has happened to me and it can be devastating. If you’re anything like me, you will have your entire life in there – photos, contacts and reminders.
Unfortunately, if the taxi driver is saying that they did not find the phone – and there is no proof that they did – it is their word against yours.
It may also be that the phone was taken by an opportunistic passenger who came across it.
If you feel that the phone was stolen, you should ensure that this is reported to police and it will be investigated by them.
Supply as much information as possible, including the dates and times of travel, any information specific to the taxi and the company that they are registered to.
It’s still important that you deal with the practical side of things.
If you have not already, you should ensure that you report the loss of the phone to your mobile phone company or network provider.
This is important to ensure there are no fraudulent charges or unauthorised calls made on the phone.
Your network operator can provide you with an identification number for the phone (IMEI), which the police will need to investigate if you report this as theft.
Check any insurance policies that you have for the phone. If you don’t have a specific policy for the phone, check for any cover you may have through home insurance or bank accounts that you have.
I hope a good Samaritan comes across your phone and returns it to you.
MY mother has a carer who comes into her home a few times a week who is supplied by the local council. I know her carer lives locally and it seems that she has been discussing my mother’s personal information with people in the local shop.
I don’t think that this is right as my mother is a very private person. What can I do?
All healthcare professionals have a legal duty to supply a certain standard of care to the people that they work with.
The regulatory body of this healthcare professional (in this case, that of your mother’s carer) has a duty to investigate misconduct, including breaking confidentiality.
Your mother’s personal business should not be discussed with other people in the community who are not directly related to the healthcare provider and I am doubtful that this would extend to people in your local shop.
The first option you have is to address this with the carer or their direct line manager, which could provide the quickest resolution.
The alternative, or next stage, if you do not receive a satisfactory response, would be to complain using the local authority complaints procedure.
These procedures can generally be found on local authority websites.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint at this stage, then you have the option to complain to either the Local Government Ombudsman, a healthcare regulatory body or the Care Quality Commission.