Access to Medical Records and Personal Data

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Introduction

Individuals have the right to obtain a copy of their personal information which is known as a Subject Access Request (SAR).

Under the Data Protection Act (2018), individuals have the right to access information held about them including their Medical Records.

How can I apply to access my own Medical Records?

Please complete the following application form, which can be downloaded below:

Download GDPR Application Form for Health Records

Do I need to provide proof of identity and address?

We are obliged to confirm the identity of any person making a request for access to their records.

What are the timescales and costs?

Under the Data Protection Act (2018), the Trust has one calendar month to provide your request from the day after receiving all relevant documentation.

The deadline for disclosure does not begin until the completed application form and proof of identification have been received.

There will be no charge, except for a small number of exceptional cases, such as duplicate copies of records previously disclosed or if the volume of records is unreasonably excessive.

Can somebody else access my Medical Records?

Another person, such as a solicitor or legal representative acting on your behalf can only access your records if you authorise them to do so and the relevant consent forms have been signed.

Can I see the records of somebody who has died?

The next of kin can access the records of a deceased person as outlined in the Access to Health Records Act (1990).  There may be cases where other persons can request access and this would usually require relevant letters of administration from instructed Solicitors.

There is a separate application form for these requests which can be downloaded below:

Download SUBJECT ACCESS REQUEST APPLICATION FORM (ATHR)

Where should I send my application form?

Upon completion of the relevant application form, please return it to: wah-tr.subjectaccessrequests@nhs.net

Alternatively, applications can be made by post and sent to:

Medico-Legal Co-ordinator
Alexandra Hospital
Woodrow Drive
Redditch
B98 7UB

If you have any queries about the process, or unable to access the links above, please contact us by email or post or by telephone on: 01527 503850 during office hours.