Legal support: A Shine service - Trying to make sense of your medical care?

Trying to make sense of your medical care? Request your medical records

Here we take you through some of the things you need to know:

What are medical records? 

Medical records are the information healthcare professionals keep about your care and treatment. They may include GP records, hospital notes, clinic letters, test results, scan reports, operation notes, prescriptions, referral letters and discharge summaries.  

Why might I want a copy of my medical records? 

People request their records for many reasons. You may want to better understand what happened during treatment, check information recorded about your care, seek a second medical opinion, make a complaint, support an insurance claim, or explore whether there are grounds for a legal claim.  

Am I entitled to see my medical records? 

In most cases, yes. Individuals generally have the right to access their own medical records. Parents may also be able to request records for their child where appropriate, and records can sometimes be requested on behalf of another person with their written consent. Different rules apply when requesting records for someone who has died. 

How do I request my records? 

You can usually make a Subject Access Request (SAR) to the NHS organisation or private healthcare provider that holds your records. Requests can often be made online, by email or by letter.  

Will I need to provide identification? 

Yes. Because medical records contain sensitive personal information, healthcare providers will usually ask for proof of identity and address before releasing them. This helps keep your information secure.  

How will I receive my records? 

Many organisations now provide records electronically through secure email or online portals. Some may still provide paper copies, and medical imaging such as X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans may be supplied separately.   

What if my records seem incomplete or they are in the wrong order? 

Medical records can be lengthy and are not always arranged in date order. It is also common to find duplicate documents or records from different departments presented separately.  

How does looking at medical records help? 

Accessing your medical records can help you better understand your healthcare, answer questions about treatment you have received, and make informed decisions about any next steps. 

Our Legal Service is here if you need us!

If it ever feels useful to talk things through, contact us on 01733 555988 or at www.shinecharity.org.uk/legal