Accessing your medical records
You have the right to confidentiality under the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA), the Human Rights Act 1998 and the common law duty of confidence (the Disability Discrimination and the Race Relations Acts may also apply). You also have the right to view or ask for a copy of all records we hold about you.
Your request must be made in writing and addressed to the Business Manager. There may be a charge involved. We will normally provide a response within 21 days of any fee being paid. You will need to give adequate information (for example full name, address, date of birth NHS number etc.,). It may also be helpful if you could explain the reason for your request (so we can help you identify relevant information). You will be required to provide id with your request and before any information is released to you. You can appeal to the Business Manager if the GP decides not to disclose your information. If you think any information we hold about you is inaccurate or incorrect, please let us know as soon as possible.
You can also now view a summary of your medical records – currently medications, immunisations, allergies and any adverse reactions – online for free.
We plan to offer the facility for patients to view online, export or print detailed coded information held in their own records from 1 April 2016, subject to the necessary NHS GP systems and software being available to the practice. For more details, please click here.
Requirements
The service is currently available for all patients aged 18 and over.
Even if you have already signed up to our online appointment and prescription service, you will still need to fill in a short form, available at Reception before you can access your medical record.
You can also download the PDF form here or the RTF (Rich Text Format) form here.
You will need to bring in proof of your ID. Please ask at Reception for further details or for more information please see our Patient Information leaflet.
Things to consider before accessing your medical records
Forgotten History
There may be something you have forgotten about in your record that you might find upsetting.
Choosing to share your information with someone
It’s up to you whether or not you share your information with others – perhaps family members or carers. It’s your choice, but also your responsibility to keep the information safe and secure.
Coercion
If you think you may be pressured into revealing details from your patient record to someone else against your will, it is best that you do not register for access at this time.
Misunderstood Information
Your medical record it designed to be used by clinical professionals to ensure that you receive the best possible care. Some of the information within your medical record may be highly technical, written by specialists and not easily understood. If you require further clarification, please contact us for a clearer explanation.
Information about someone else
If you spot something in your record that is not about you or notice any other errors, please log out of the system immediately and contact us as soon as possible.