Accessing medical records
Data Protection 1998 and Access to Health Records Act 1990
The above acts mean that you, or someone with your authority, can apply to see your health record. If the patient is a child, then a parent, guardian, or someone with parental responsibility can apply.
If the patient is deceased, the next-of-kin or any person who may have a claim arising out of the patient's death may see the relevant part of the deceased's health record.
We will require proof of identity in order to avoid any breach of confidentiality and if someone makes the application other than the patient, we will need proof that he or she is entitled to make the application.
Very rarely, we may deny or limit access to a certain part of the record. This may occur when, in the opinion of the record holder, revealing certain information may cause you or the person applying for access serious physical or mental harm.
Other situations where access to records may be denied include when details have been provided by a third party who may not want the information disclosed. Their rights to privacy have to be considered.
Applying to see your records
You must make your request in writing to the Administration Services Manager, here at the trust, who will forward you the appropriate application form.
The process may take up to 40 days from the date we receive your returned application form. If we require further information from you to assist us with your request, this may take longer.
If you do not understand any of the terms, you are entitled to an explanation from a health care professional. If you discover any inaccuracies, the health care professional will either make the necessary amendments or make a record of your alleged inaccuracies.
During your treatment, you can ask to see your record. If so, the health care professional responsible for your care may wish to give you the record and go through it with you. Such a request is not an application under the Health Records Act of 1990.