Since 1990
health records
Access To Your Health Records
You have a legal right to access your health records. If you want to see your health records you can write to your Doctor to request a time to come in and read them. You don’t have to give a reason for wanting to see your records.
It’s a good idea to state the dates of the records that you want to see – for example, from 2009-2012 – and to send the letter by recorded delivery. You should also keep a copy of your letter for your records. You will usually receive a response to your request within 21 days.
CHARGES
If your records have been updated in the last 40 days – that is, you have seen your GP, or another health
professional, in the last 40 days, you’re entitled to see your records free of charge. However, if your records
are held on a computer, there may be an administration charge.
For a copy of older paper records, and results
Hospital Records
As well as having a copy of your health records the Practice may also have a summary of any hospital tests, or
treatment, that you have had. Any hospitals where you have had treatment, or tests, will also hold records.
To see your hospital health records, you will have to contact your local Hospital.
Your request to see your records will be forwarded to the health records manager. The manager will decide
whether your request will be approved. Your request will usually only be refused if your records manager, GP,
or other health professional believes that information in the records is likely to cause you, or another person,
serious harm.
Power of Attorney
Your health records are confidential, and members of your family are not allowed to see them, unless you give
them written permission, or they have power of attorney.
A lasting power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to make decisions for you,
should you become incapable of making decisions yourself.
The person you appoint is known as your attorney. An attorney can make decisions about your finances,
property, and welfare. It is very important that you trust the person you appoint so that they do not abuse
their responsibility.
If you wish to see the health records of someone who has died, you will have to apply under the prevailing
legislation. You can only apply if you: are that person’s next of kin, are their legal executor (the person named
in a will who is in charge of dealing with the property and finances of the deceased person), have the
permission of the next of kin, or have obtained written permission from the deceased person before they died.
To access the records of a deceased person, you must go through the same process as a living patient. This
means either contacting the Practice or the hospital where the records are stored.
Optician and dental records
Your optician and dentist also hold records about you.