medical records uk

does anyone know how and if we can get a copy of our medical records

[Hidden]

I think this has been asked before, but cant remember when.... If you google it, does it show if and how it can be done...

[Hidden]

You are here:

Common health questions

NHS services and treatments

How do I access my medical records (health records)?

How do I access my medical records (health records)?

If you want to view your health records, you may not need to make a formal application. Nothing in the law prevents healthcare professionals from informally showing you your own records. You can make an informal request during a consultation, or by phoning your GP surgery or hospital to arrange a time to see your records.

Formal requests under the Data Protection Act

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you have a legal right to apply for access to health information held about you. This includes your NHS or private health records held by a GP, optician or dentist, or by a hospital.

A health record contains information about your mental and physical health recorded by a healthcare professional as part of your care.

If you want to see your health records, you don't have to give a reason.

Applying for access to your health records

Depending on which health records you want to see, submit your request in writing or by email to:

your GP surgery

your optician

your dentist

the hospital trust's health records manager or patient services manager

This is known as a Subject Access Request (SAR).

It's a good idea to state the dates of the records when you apply.

The health records manager, GP or other healthcare professional will decide whether your request can be approved. They can refuse your request if, for example, they believe that releasing the information may cause serious harm to your physical or mental health or that of another person.

Under the Data Protection Act, requests for access to records should be met within 40 days. However, government guidance for healthcare organisations says they should aim to respond within 21 days.

Fees to access your health records

You may have to pay a fee to access your health records, so ask if there is a charge before you apply to see them.

For more information, see What are the fees for accessing medical records (health records)?

Can someone else access my health records?

Another person can only access your health records if you authorise them to do so. For more information, see Can I access someone else’s health records?

Read the answers to more questions about NHS services and treatments.

Further information:

Can I access someone else’s health records?

What are the fees for accessing medical records (health records)?

Can I access the health records of someone who has died?

Do I have to tell my employer about my medical history?

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[BobM in reply to Hidden]

100% Correct!!!

It can be a struggle, it shouldn't be, however you will get your records. How much will be 'redacted' is the problem!! Guess it depends what you want to know, if you need them for a complaint doubt this method will assist you much.

Bob M

[Hidden]

tried it but its coming up will a lot of junk stuff aswell, like wading through mud !!

[Hidden]

thats for access, i want copies if i can get them

[Hidden]

thank petal i hadnt seen that one pfff heads not working at all today, and my legs are allready starting !!!!!!!!

[Hidden]

I dont know how you can copy them, unless they allow you to take them home...which i doubt...that you would have to find out after you get access i suppose.

Oh dear, sorry to hear your legs are going already... will p/m you on fb..

[Hidden]

ok petal

[Hidden]

I have been scouting around the net, and you can ask for a copy of your health records. Ask in writing is best. I think you need to ask specifically what you want copied...

[nightdancer]

I would think in any country, you can make a request for medical records. thy are YOUR records. We can here. We have to pay for copies of everything, when WE do it over here, but we can get the whole history. Sounds like you can do tha same exact thing, and always do everything in writing. they are your records and your information. Every doctor's office should have a copy machine, and things can get printed out. I know they will not let us leave the building with ours, but we can pick out what we want and make any copies. Elisse and Niah, if your doctor's office does not have copy machines across the pond, I may faint. lol

[Hidden in reply to nightdancer]

LOL, nightdancer, i am sure they do have copy machines in doctors surgeries over here...

[Hidden]

There is a new system coming up (or recently established) in the UK where your GP is allowed to share your medical records with any health professional treating you at the time, but you can opt out if you wish.

As for getting your medical records in the UK it is not as easy as one imagines. I applied to see mine back in 2001/2 and from certain things missing I realised they must be keeping things back or bits were missing from doctors medical notes.

After telling them bits were missing they denied it, or could not find it.

You will only see what they allow you to see.

At least that is my experience. I also suspect the authorities will possibly put you down as a trouble maker if you complain.

I suspect too it affects your future treatment.

I assure you I am not being paranoid on this matter.

[Hidden]

i dont think for one second that you are being paranoid, im having a but of trouble with a doctor at my surgery, hes treating me for osteoarthritis, his field, so i have to see him, and hes the longest serving doctor there, so the rest of them kind of follow whatever he says. and if he says no its no, he can do very moody or very nice, so im tense every time i have to see him, not nice when your feeling ill, so ive decided to change to another practice, and i cant decide wether to wait until i change doctors before i ask to see my records, thanks for the info, bit of a Yorkshire name you have there isnt it ??

[Alisdair]

OK here is the official answer - (I work in the medical profession in the UK) - in the UK you ARE entitled to a full and complete copy of your medical records. The best way to ask for it is to write to your practice manager. They have to supply it within a certain time period (30 days from memory) and they can make a charge for the copying etc - a maximum charge is levied by the data protection act which again from memory is £50. However if your records are stored electronically this amount has been reduced. As for your records before you change GP's. You don't want your new Gp thinking you may be a handful!! (That is not an official line by the way!) Hope that helps.

[Hidden]

hi, sorry, did you mean ASK for my records before i change?? my doctor