Medical records hold information about you. They are also sometimes called health records.
You will appreciate that health data relating to any individual is highly confidential and the Practice must ensure that it releases such data only to the person to whom it relates, or to a person authorised to act on his/her behalf.
We can accept a written request for copies of medical records and if a third party is requesting these records we must receive a signed consent from the patient.
You do not have to give a reason for applying for access to your General Practice records. If you do not need access to your entire records, it would be helpful if you would inform us of the periods and parts of your health records that you require, along with details which you may feel have relevance (e.g. Clinic type, location, dates)
Timescale
The Practice will deal with your request as quickly as possible. The information should be available to you within 28 days of receipt of your accurately completed form and confirmation of consent. Under certain circumstances, this period can be extended to 3 months but we will keep you informed of the progress of your request during this extended period.
Fees
We will not make a charge for the first request for access to your medical records. We may, however, charge for subsequent requests and if we deem that the volume of information requested is excessive. You have the right to simply view your records (i.e. not receive a copy in a permanent form).