In the UK, you have the right to access your medical records from your medical practitioner or hospital.
Generally, you will have two official medical records. Your doctor's surgery holds records from your appointments, while a hospital will carry any records of treatment from your visits there.
Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you can view both types of records.
How to access your medical records
To access your medical records, you can simply ask surgery staff or a health authority to let you inspect them. Often, there's a fee and you will have to provide proof of identity.
It is recommended that patients apply for access to their medical records in writing. In applying to the hospital or surgery, you should hear a response no later than 21 days after your application was received.
By law, the hospital or surgery has 40 days to respond to a written request.
Usually, the fee for accessing medical records is around £10.
More advice on accessing medical records
Sometimes, access to medical records can be denied. If healthcare professionals believe information in the records could cause harm, or if another person has been named in the records, the request could be denied.
You have the option to approach the Information Commissioner's Office if you think the medical organisation has breached the Data Protection Act.
You will also need permission if you're trying to access someone else's medical records.
If you're looking for medical records for a clinical negligence claim, Legal Advice Helpline has more information on the claims process call 0800 612 3042 today.