How long do drs keep medical records?

[missbopeep]

Wonder if anyone knows? DH is wanting to discuss something with the family GP ( to do with his Mum) and this will be fine ( complicated circs so won't go into details) and something to do with his dad who died around 18 years ago may be relevant. Would the surgery still have records ( he's going to ask anyway )

Gp records sent to central agency kept for minimum of 10 years after death, hospital notes kept for 8 years unless mental health or prison records which differ according to conditions placed on them. Childhood and maternity notes kept until childs 25th birthday

I think (dh is a GP, trying to remember) that GP holds on to them for 1-2 years then held centrally.

If your dh wants to talk about something that might not be with GP now (they have limited storage) better to let the GP know in advance in case they can access old records.

I like how my dh signs off all records - does basic life checks (0 pulse 0 resp 0 reflex). Then (I asked) always writes "a pleasure to have known and treated you XXX. RIP."

I hope your dh gets the information he needs if its important. But remember that doctors respect confidentiality beyond death.

Thanks- all useful.

How are records" held centrally" accessed caringmummy2013?