Taking copies of blue notes - legal?

[Penguinator]

Currently 8 weeks pregnant with DC2. My last birth was quite complicated/traumatic and while on the recovery ward I managed to get hold of my full set of maternity notes and hastily photographed every page so that I had an exact record of what had happened (I lost consciousness for several hours after DS was born so my memories of what happened are sketchy to say the least!) I've also heard of several cases of notes being "lost" so I wanted to be sure this didn't happen to me. As soon as the midwife on duty saw that I had my blue folder (which I'd only been given to take up in the lift between floors) she literally snatched it out of my hands, which made me glad I'd done this! I have many questions about the whole experience/things I'd like to clarify before I start thinking about my birth preferences this time around, but is it wise to admit to my midwife etc that I have a copy of my previous notes so that I can refer to specific parts of them, or was I breaking some rule by taking an unofficial copy?

Legally, I don't know but I did it too! Technically, you are allowed have them & could have claimed them under Freedom of Information. But you didn't so I don't know if there's a technicality, but I would be happy to reference them.

As long as it was you youre self who copied them i think its ok. I think data protect would only apply to someone else copying them.

Not really sure where you could get a definate answer.

You are legally allowed to see your full medical notes but are meant to apply to do this formally through legal services at the hospital. I have read quite a few times on here that most hospitals are happy to organise a meeting for you with a senior midwife who will go through the notes with you. You could ask for this and then you have a reason for having seen your notes and also a senior HCP to interpret them. Just a suggestion x

I have mine from DD2's home birth. Purely as a keep sake, it all went beautifully.

The MWs agreed to 'forget them', until they came the next day.

Thanks Ruby - that's a good idea. Asking for someone to interpret them would definitely be useful if they agree to it, as half the notes are practically illegible anyway!