Access to Medical records query

[cranberryjampots]

At my ds's next appointment with the psychologist she would like to discuss my ds's birth history and first few days (not sure why). As it was 9 years ago I cant remember timings - particularly of bowel movements etc. So in a bid to give as much info as possible, I have contacted the hospital to see if I am able to look at my/ds's birth record. I was told that I would need a medically qualified person with me so I have enlisted my friend who is a Sister at the local hospital although I have also explained that I wont necessarily be asking questions. They have told me today that I cant take my friend and that it could take months to get my records and arrange for one of their staff to be with me when I review them - possibly even non medical person. Where do I stand on this? I thought I was able to see what was written?

i think you have to write them and i think they charge a small fee at least this is what we did at the hospital i used to work for though things could have changed. i would write to the litigation dept or ring and ask what you can do, though tbh i would contact thepsychologist and see if he can request them after all he is looking after yours sons health so should be able to get access.

when i wanted my medical records, i called them and they said that i needed to write to them. If i had visited the hospital within a certian amount of time ago (cant remember how many weeks or months) then they were free, otherwise i would have to pay a fee. HTH

jampots - that will be the hospital near you i am talking about too

tamba ??? are you a local lass?

you are Jampots arnt you or am i all confused?

I have met you if so lol (i changed my name weeks ago was HB)

ah! yes its me

thought someone recognised me from RL !

I wrote to the heda of the maternity department and got my Birth records pretty quick through the post for a fee.
Whoever told you that is talking crap!

jampots they are talking . You have the right to see your notes. This is a legal entitlement under the Access to Health Records Act 1990 and the Data Protection Act 1998. (ref NCT factsheet)

You can contact the Patient Records Department of the unit concerned and ask them for their standard form to obtain a copy of your records. By law they musy provide this and are not allowed to charge you an admin fee of more than £40 or maybe £50 which should cover photocopying. THey must do it within 40 days.

Alternatively you can send them a letter setting out relevant dates, NHS numbers etc full names, address at time.

Because of the admin charge which is often a 'per page photocopying fee' which stacks up, and if you think there isn't much in relation to the birth but there may be heaps on other illnesses/conditions you have, you may want to only request part of your notes e.g. relating to the birth an immediate postnatal period only.

HTH

Info here jampots

As Sue says they're talking out of their bottoms. Ooo I'm polite today

I got copies of dd's records - they did take longer than the 40 days and because of that didn't make a charge. You can go along and look at them in person if you prefer.