Accessing health records
What is a health record?
A health record is any information about your physical or mental health that has been made by a health professional. Whenever you visit an NHS service, like the GP surgery or hospital, information will be stored and put into your record. This might include tests you’ve had, treatments, and medicines you’re taking.
What do I need to know?
You have the right to ask for any personal information an organisation holds about you.
This is because of a law called the General Data Protection Regulation (2016) / Data Protection Act (2018) (GDPR/DPA).
If you ask an organisation for any information they have about you, this is called a Request under the Right of Access, or a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR).
If you make a request for information under the GDPR/DPA, you should be given a response within one month.
Organisations can’t usually charge a fee for giving you access to your health records. The websites below provide more information about this.
The organisation will normally need to know what your claim is before they respond, as they might only be able to give you information about that specific claim.
Can someone else access my health records?
Someone else can apply to see your records. They will usually need your written permission or to be legally appointed to act on your behalf – for example, in your Power of Attorney.
It’s sometimes possible to access the health records of someone who has died. You’ll only usually be able to access them if you are a legal personal representative of the person who died (for example, the executor of their will) or have a claim resulting from the death. See the websites below for more information about how to do this.
How do I get access to my health records?
If your health records are held by Marie Curie, you can contact the relevant hospice and send them a Patient Information Access Request Form. Find out more on our page How to access your health records.
You can find out more about accessing your health records from your GP, hospital or other healthcare organisation from following websites:
- NHS Choices if you live in England
- NHS Direct Wales if you live in Wales
- Nidirect if you live in Northern Ireland
- NHS Inform if you live in Scotland.
The Information Commissioner’s Office has more information about how to request your personal information, including templates for letters.
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About this information
This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.
