Getting hold of your existing medical records.
At the moment, you will need to upload this yourself to your dashboard but we are working on getting integration with GP and hospital systems. So watch this space!
In the meantime, you can request your records for any NHS service you use including your GP surgery, hospital, dentist or opticians. How to get your record depends on which record it is.
What is in my medical records?
Your records include any information on your health recorded by a healthcare professional. This includes records made by GPs, hospital staff, dentists and opticians. It can also include health records kept by your employer. Examples of the type of information include:
- Laboratory reports
- Recordings of telephone calls
- X-rays
- Letters
- Prescriptions
- Clinical notes
Can I view my medical records?
You have a legal right to see your own records. You do not have to explain whey you want to see them.
Can my request be refused?
Yes. Your request could be refused if:
- A healthcare professional thinks seeing the records would be seriously harmful to your physical or mental health.
- The records also relate to someone else.
Will I have to pay?
No. Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) accessing your medical records is free.
How do I get my GP records?
Your GP record includes information like any conditions or allergies you have and any medicine you’re taking. Many patients will have automatically been given access to more information added by their GP record from November 2022 onwards. This includes letters, test results and appointment notes.
You can access your GP record and nominate someone you trust to access it too.
There are three main ways to get your GP record:
- You can get your GP record by logging into your account using the NHS app or NHS website.
- First you need to register for online services an prove who you are. You can do this when you create an account.
- You’ll need to ask your GP service for online access to your full record, or you’ll only be able to see your medicines and allergies.
- Using other online services or apps
- You might be able to use other GP online services and apps to get your GP record
- First you will need to register for online services and prove who you are. Some services and apps are only available in certain areas. Ask your GP surgery which one you can use.
- You will need to ask your GP surgery for online access to your full record.
- By speaking to your GP surgery
- You can ask for your GP record at your GP surgery
For any other medical records, you need to ask for them at the NHS service you went to. This includes records like your hospital record. Check the website for the NHS service you want your records for. You might need to fill out a form to ask for access.
Can I formally request medical records in writing?
Yes. You may wish to do this if:
- The information you need is not covered by your GP record
- You want hard copies of records
- You do not have online access
- You do not want to use online services
Step-by-step guide to formally requesting your medical records
- Find out where your records are held. You GP should be able to tell you this.
- Find out where your records are held. You GP should be able to tell you this.
- If you are asked for more information, reply as soon as you can. Keep copies of any letters you send or receive.
- When you go to view your records, you will need to take some form of identification such as a passport or driving licence. Do not send original documents in the post.
What do I do if I do not hear back?
Most healthcare providers aim to respond to requests within three weeks. If you don’t hear back within this time, write again or call to request an update. If you have not heard anything after 40 days you can make a formal complaint.
Can I see my child’s medical records?
You can ask to see the records of a child under 16 if you have ‘parental responsibility’.
What does ‘parental responsibility’ mean?
Parental responsibility means you are legally responsible for the wellbeing of the child. A more detailed explanation is available via www.gov.uk.
Will my request automatically be granted?
No. The best interests of the child will always be considered. If a healthcare professional is confident a child can understand their right’s then they will send the information to them rather than the parent.
Can I request the medical records of children over 16?
No, not without their written consent.
