Medical notes

[Nomis21]

Hi,Has anyone requested there medical notes following on from a medical surgical procedure? How would you go about it in the UK?

Thanks

[BobD Volunteer]

Generally have to ask before procedures. I have copies of all correspondence and reports. Many years ago I completed a form.

[baba]

"You have a legal right to see your own records. You do not have to explain why you want to see them.

Your request could be refused if:

A health professional thinks seeing the records would be seriously harmful to your physical or mental health

The records also relate to someone else.

Under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) accessing your medical records is free"

Information on how to request your records in this website:

patients-association.org.uk....

[Nomis21 in reply to baba]

Thanks baba, much appreciated.

If it's hospital records after having surgery carried out would it just be a case of ringing the hospital department and requesting?

[baba in reply to Nomis21]

You could do that or put it in a letter - formal request.

Give as much detail as you can about dates of admission/proceedure etc.

There is a sample letter in the above website and also step by step of how to apply.

There is also a free phone helpline. No idea how up to date that is.

[Carew]

You might have an issue as the notes could be spread across multiple locations.

That is, letters to/from your GP should be in your GP surgery. But much else is likely in the hospital. If private, the consultant might hold them.

You could end up having to make multiple requests.

[CDreamer]

I’d also point out that you may have the right to see them, but sometimes getting copies is a whole other ball game. The legality of professional notes often lies in who ‘owns’ the notes so finding that out before you start your quest may help. More often than not it will be an organisation rather than an individual which makes access bureaucratic so starting with a written request is recommended. Anything in writing must be answered and you have a record so make sure you keep a record and very detailed notes on times/dates etc.

Good luck.

[MummaSoap]

Hi Nomis

I could be wrong but I think that’s the sort of thing that you can make a request to PALS for.

I hope you get the information and support that you’re looking for.

Best wishes

Soap 🧼

[Nomis21 in reply to MummaSoap]

Thanks mumma, got an appointment at my local hospital today I ask about pals.

[dmac4646]

Its pretty simple its a GDPR requirement that these are avaiable to you - you will need to make the request in writing or they may well give you a SAR (subject Access Request ) form to complete they have to provide within a specified time period

[Nomis21 in reply to dmac4646]

Hi dmac, thanks for this, I have a template letter which I will edit with my details, so I take it I just post it to the cardiology dept where I had my surgery?Many thanks

[dmac4646 in reply to Nomis21]

yes or your GP's surgery as they should have had the notes ?

[baba in reply to dmac4646]

GP surgery won't have hospital notes, just a summary letter.

[Nomis21]

Anyone know who to address the letter too? Would it be my cardiologist secretary or someone else in the cardiology department?