Patients and visitors
How to access your medical records
How to access your medical records
Your doctor and other healthcare professionals keep records about your health and any treatment and care you receive. They are used to guide your medical care and are held in strict confidence.
If you would like a copy of your medical records, you must request them in writing.
To do this, please download and complete a medical records application form.
Proof of identity
When you submit your form please ensure you have signed the declaration and enclosed the appropriate proof of identity.
Acceptable proof of identity
If you are requesting a copy of your own medical records:
- a copy of your driving licence or passport
If you are requesting a copy of the medical records of:
For another adult patient:
- proof of your own identity – driving licence or passport
- a letter of authorisation from the patient
- proof of their identity
- a copy of Lasting Power of Attorney
For a child:
- proof of your identity – driving licence or passport
- a copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport – and in cases where the child is capable of giving consent themselves, a letter from the child authorising the application
For a deceased patient:
- proof of your identity – driving licence or passport
- a copy of the deceased’s death certificate if available
- a copy of the Grant of Probate naming you as the deceased’s representative or executor
In absence of the Grant of Probate, or if you are not the representative or executor of the deceased, please provide a letter explaining your reasons for the application and a copy of the death certificate.
What happens next?
Once we have received your application
Your application to view or obtain copies of your medical records will be processed one month from the date of receipt.
We may need to contact you for further information if we are unable to verify your details with the information we hold about you. You will be notified if there is a delay in the process.
If you wish to view the records with a doctor
If you’ve chosen to review your medical records with your consultant, their secretary will make an appointment with you. The consultant may charge you for this appointment.
If you wish to view the records at the hospital
If you do not require the presence of a consultant, the medical records manager can make an appointment with you to view the records. We will not charge you for this service.
If you require a copy of your medical records
We will send a copy of your application and medical records to the Caldicott Guardian, seeking permission to send the documents to you.
We take every precaution to ensure that the information you have requested is sent to you safely. If receiving your information electronically, the information will be sent to you in a secure email. Instructions on how to access this will be sent to you in a separate email.
Any documents posted to you will be sent using the Royal Mail Recorded Delivery Service.
Please note: You can request copies of your medical records after you have viewed them.
Please see above for the charges incurred. The Access to Health Records Act 1990 and the Data Protection Act 1998 are the main statutory provisions that govern the release of medical records.
The Access to Health Records Act 1990 and the Data Protection Act 1998 are the main statutory provisions that govern the release of medical records.
Book an appointment today
Our telephone lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm Saturdays.
Alternatively, fill out our appointment request form and we'll be in touch shortly.
Please note - regrettably we are unable to answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice via email or telephone.