Viewing your own medical records

You have the right to view your own medical records. Many people are unsure about what this means. We have produced a guide which explains what you can expect, and contains an application form that you should fill in if you wish to see your records. A copy of the guide is available from South Reception (Entrance 2) or as a PDF document by clicking here.

For further information or advice, please contact a PALS Manager on 01473 702064 or Freephone 0800 328 7624 or send an e-mail to: pals@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk.

Your health records consist of information relating to your physical or mental health. They are made by, or on behalf of, a health professional in connection with your care.

Under the data protection act 1998 you have the right to see or obtain a copy of your health records in manual or computer form. However, access can be refused under particular special circumstances, for example:

when the healthcare professional believes that the information would cause you serious physical or mental harm; or
when access would make known information, which relates to a third person without their permission.

Any of the following people may make an application for access to health records, or to any part of a health record:

you;
a person authorised in writing by you on your behalf;
a parent or guardian of a child under 16 if this is in the child's best interests and not contrary to a competent child's wishes;
any person appointed by a court to manage the affairs of those incapable of managing their own affairs; or
the personal representative of someone who has died, unless the deceased left instructions denying access to that person.

You should apply in writing to the holder of the record with proof of your identity. You are entitled by law to receive a response no later than 40 days after your application is received.

You will then be given an appointment to see your records; there may be a charge up to a maximum of £50 (£10 if held totally on computer: free if the record has been added to in the last 40 days)). If you want a copy or printout of the information in your records reasonable copying costs will be added. The copy must be accompanied by an explanation of any terms, which are unintelligible. If you do not understand any part of the record the relevant health profession should arrange to explain it to you.

If you think that your records are inaccurate or misleading, you should ask to have it amended or removed. If the record holder refuses this request, they must attach a statement of your views to the record.