Does anyone know how to get hold of notes from last labour?

[Poppyjen]

hello all

I am hoping that someone will be able to point me in the right direction regarding previous labour notes. Since I had my DS I have moved areas and so I will be having DC2 at a different hospital. I ended up with EMCS last time and so I have an appointment with the obstetric team at the new hospital after my 20 week scan. I would really like to have a look at the notes from last time before this meeting.

Does anyone know who the appropriate person/department would be to approach at the other hospital (its the PRUH in Bromley)? Would it be better to write to them?

Sorry for seeming clueless about this! I hope someone can help...

Thanks!

This is really difficult. I had DC1 in one hospital and DC2 in another. My notes from DC1 were first requested when I was 7 weeks pregnant with DC2. They were (supposedly) requested on a further 2 occasions. They never arrived and they were needed because I had a bad reaction to a drug given with DC1.

The way it's done, I think is for the new hospital to write to the old hospital to get them. Given my experience, I'd never ever trust either hospital to accomplish this and suggest you find another way. Hopefully someone else can be more helpful.

I got my notes from 7 years ago just this week, from my son's birth hospital. Just call the hospital they should have a records department that will have your notes, your hospital or NHS number should help track them down. they usually ask for about £10 towards the copies and they should send you a form for the request to identify you.

Having looked at that hospital website, you could either call the Maternity unit or PALS to ask who will hold your records, or you could write to:

The Trust Secretary
South London Healthcare NHS Trust
Frognal Avenue
Sidcup
Kent
DA14 6LT
or email [email protected]

as that is who it says to contact on the website if you are making a request under the Freedom of Information Act.

I obtained a copy of my notes from DD's birth (different Trust) and paid £47.00 - they can charge up to about £50 in admin and photocopying fees so be aware that it isn't always as little as £10.

Try PALS as flisspaps says.

Yep, hospitals are obliged to provide your notes within (I think) 8 weeks if you request them, but as others have said it's not a free service. Probably best to keep pushing your new hospital to chase them as presumably they won't have to pay.

Thanks all, I have written to the hospital now so hopefully I'll hear soon. I'll let you know how I get on....