can i photograph my childs medical records

[6dec2013]

DD has a private hospital appointment next week and the doctor has asked me to bring her previous NHS test results. Our hospital will allow me to view them prior to this but require 40 days to supply photocopies.

Does anyone know if I am legally entitled to photograph the pages with the relevant information myself whilst viewing rather than trying to copy down all the results?

You may as well just photo them while you are looking. if they tell you to stop you can plead ignorance and then copy down the rest. I don't see why they wouldn't let you though.

you would need to put your request in writing before they'd be released.

actually if its test results they can just print copies off for you without any requests/charges. i work in a Dr surgery and requests have to be made for clinic letters but not pathology

If your going to view them and there aren't masses they will likely photocopy for you. The 40 days is just a safeguard from them.

The reason for no photos is incase they get made public and then the hospital has no signed form made for release. When u request a copy u have to sign to say that the trust is no longer responsible for their safe keeping and keeping private etc. Confidentiality still applies obviously.

I'm sure if u were prepared to sign it wud be fine.

yes you would think they could print them off but apparently although the tests are done on computer they are just printed off and a hard copy is put in the hospital file but it is not stored on the computer!! I couldn't believe this either but have double checked with the manager