To use a Subject Access Request to get test results

[OuiOuiMonAmi]

Had a procedure done 4 months ago and STILL waiting for the results, which were supposed to take 2 weeks. Each time I ring to chase it, they say they'll write to me very soon but they never do.

WIBU to do a Subject Access Request to get the results? On the one hand, I'm presuming the reason I've still not got them is that they are overstretched and understaffed - so I don't want to add to that burden for the staff. But on the other hand, I just want the bloody results!

I would, yes.

Can you go through PALs at the hospital? Sounds a ridiculously long wait, even if there’s a backlog.

Have you spoken to PALS?

The trouble with a SAR is that it takes resources away from people doing their day to day job, ie producing and sending out results. I think you'l have to keep chasing it

I do sympathise, I had a brain scan and the results took 18 months to come through, I knew there was nothing wrong but try and explain that to the travel insurance people. I had chased it so many times and of course your GP doesnt get involved so ringing the hospital is next to impossible

It depends. If you’re waiting on a biopsy that hasn’t been reported by the lab a SAR won’t tell you anything helpful at all. Complaining via PALS may be your best bet.

I hadn't thought of PALS, I'll try them - many thanks everyone!

I have done this. Ironically the results came through on the same day I got the SAR information lol. But I was still glad to have all the info.

It won’t work.

I did a SAR to get access to my medical records when they had clearly mixed them up with someone else’s.

I was told a SAR doesn’t apply the same way for medical records, and that I could make an appointment to come in for supervised access where someone would look up the things I wanted to see, but … there were no appointments available for that.

Seagullandclouds, there is an online portal for NHS medical SARs now.

Looks like it’s only for England unfortunately. (But thank you 🙂)

If you have the NHS app and aks your GP surgery for record sharing of your whole health record it will likely be there under Documents or Test Results. It's quicker than PALS (assuming the report for the scans has been done) and will give you access to everything going forward as well.

Thanks Viper, but it's not on there. I will ask my GP about record sharing though, great tip!

Where are you in the UK? In England and Wales, access to your medical records is prescribed in law. They must provide access within a month unless there is a very good reason not to.

There is a very good outline of what to do if they fail to provide information requested here

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/legal-rights/accessing-my-personal-information/what-to-do-if-your-data-request-is-unsuccessful/ www.mind.org.uk/information-support/legal-rights/accessing-my-personal-information/what-to-do-if-your-data-request-is-unsuccessful/]]]]

No worries. It's happened to me where things just get forgotten. I emailed the department as well as calling; it should be on the hospital website. Then try and ask if your under a hospital for the consultant's secretary email. Once I managed to get through to her, they managed to rectify the issue and get me the scan. If it's been 4 months that's too long for them not to have had any contact, unfortunately you often have to advocate for yourself.