View your Medical Records
Your right to see your health records
A health record is any record of information relating to someone’s physical or mental health that has been made by (or on behalf of) a health professional. This could be anything from the notes made by a GP in your local surgery to results of an MRI scan or X-rays.
Health records are extremely personal and sensitive. They can be held electronically or as paper files, and are kept by a range of different health professionals both in the NHS and the private sector.
How can I access my records?
This is known as a subject access request (SAR).
To do so, you will need to make your request by:
- using the online form,
- complete the dedicated SAR form available by clicking here and send to this email address newtonmedical@nhs.net
We will need your name, address, DOB, and ideally an up to date contact telephone number.
You do not have to give a reason for applying for access to your health records. However, to save the NHS time and resources, it would be helpful if you would inform us:
- if you do not need access to your entire health record
- the periods/parts of records you require along with details which you may feel have relevance (e.g. consultant name, location, diagnosis).
There is no fee for making a SAR, but if manifestly unfounded or excessive, particularly if it is repetitive, a fee can be charged.
You should receive a reply to your request within 1 calendar month.
You should also be aware that in certain circumstances your right to see some details in your health records may be limited in your own interest or for other reasons (e.g. to protect the privacy of third parties)
You also have the right to have information explained to you where necessary (e.g. medical abbreviations).
We will provide you with the information by default as a PDF file attached to an e-mail. Using this method saves a lot of time and paper. If however, you require paper copies, we can still do this, but it may take longer.
You can also view a summary of your records online. You will need an online Username and Password (provided by the Reception) and then you can request your Detailed Coded Record Access (DCRA) by logging into your online account.
https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/po-support-resources-guide.pdf