For the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998, a health or medical record is a record which:
• ‘consists of information relating to the physical or mental health or condition of an individual and;
• has been made by or on behalf of a health professional in connection with the care of that individual.’
Patients have the right to ask for a copy of their medical records or to view part of their records.
If a patient makes an enquiry regarding this, they must be advised that:
• They should complete the form ‘Access to Health Records’, available from Reception.
• The Practice will provide this within 30 days.
• The patient will be required to prove their identity when collecting the notes.
• If the patient wishes to view their record, this can be arranged by speaking to the Practice Manager and an appropriate time will be agreed.
• Advise the patient to inform us if they believe anything in their record is inaccurate or incorrect.
More detailed information can be found in the Information Commissioner’s Office ‘Subject Access’ Code of Practice.
www.ico.org.uk
