The Access to Health Records Act 1990 gives the personal representative of a deceased patient or someone with a claim resulting from a patient's death the right to access that patient's health records.
How do I request copies of my health records?
You need to complete the Trust's 'Access to Health Records' form and provide proof of identity.
How do I request copies of a deceased patient's health records?
You need to complete the Trust's 'Access to Health Records' form as above but provide evidence of entitlement to access.
What is the fee for copies of health records?
The fee for copies of health records is £50. All records held on computers and would include x rays are £10. The total fee for living patients' health records including x-rays will not exceed £50.
How do I pay for copies of health records?
You can pay by cheque, made payable to Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and include it with your completed application form. Alternatively you can pay by credit card via the Cashier's Office in the hospital main entrance between 0900 and 1630 Monday-Friday.
What is the timeframe for receiving copies of health records?
The Data Protection Act 1998 states that copies of records must be provided within 40 days of receiving a completed application form and fee.
We aim to provide copies of health records within 40 working days of receiving your completed application form and fee. We will inform you of any delays.
Can access be denied?
There are sometimes circumstances when access can be denied:
- Where disclosing the personal data would reveal information which relates to and identifies another person, unless that person has consented to the disclosure.
- Where permitting access to the health records would be likely to cause serious harm to the physical or mental health or condition of the applicant.
- Where the request for access is made by another person, access can be refused if the patient had indicated it should not be disclosed.
- Where a claim arises from the patient's death we will only supply copies of records in relation to that claim.
- If the request is from the deceased patient's personal representative we will normally supply copies of medical records which relate to recent treatment. However a full set of notes may be released on request.
Where can I get further advice from?
For further information about accessing health records or payment methods please ring our Medical Legal department on 01204 390361 between the hours of 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.