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How can I see my health records?

How do I ask to see my health records?

  • You can see your records and, if you wish, you can get a copy. 
  • You don’t have to see or get a copy of all your records – you can ask for parts of them. You may have to give information to help identify what you want to see.
  • If you ask a member of NHS staff providing your care, they may show you your records or ask you to come back to do this. However, staff don’t have to show you your records unless you ask in writing. 
  • To ask in writing, send a letter to the practice manager at your GP surgery, or the records manager at the hospital or other NHS organisation that has your records. In the letter you should say if you want to:
    • just see your records or also have a copy
    • get all or just part of your records.
  • You may need to fill in an application form and give proof of your identity.
  • You should say if you would like your records to be given to you in a format that meets your needs. This will be done wherever possible.
  • You don't need to give a reason for wanting to see your health records.

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Who can apply to see my health records?

  • You can usually apply if you're able to understand what is involved in asking to see your records.

  • Someone else can apply to see your records if you are an adult and:
    • you agree to this, or
    • you can’t make decisions for yourself or can’t tell others your decisions. In this case, someone who has a welfare power of attorney or a welfare guardianship order can ask to see your records.
  • If you are a child:
    • someone who has parental responsibility for you can apply to see your records, but usually only if you agree to this
    • if you don’t understand what is involved, your parent, guardian, or main carer can apply to see your records.

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If I ask to see my health records, what will I see?

  • If you look at your records at your GP surgery or hospital, someone will probably be with you while you do this. You may see a paper file, a computer printout or a photocopy.
  • If you ask for a copy, you may get a computer printout or a photocopy.  
  • NHS staff should explain any words you don’t understand.
  • Some information on your records may be kept from you. For example, you won’t be able to see information that could:
    • cause serious harm to your physical or mental health, or someone else’s 
    • identify another person (except NHS staff who have treated you), unless that person gives permission.
  • When someone else is allowed to see your records, that person will not usually receive information that you have told NHS staff you don’t want them to have.

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How much does it cost?

  • If your health records have been added to in the last 40 days, you will not have to pay just to look at them. If they have not been added to in the last 40 days, you will have to pay up to £10 just to look at them. 
  • You will have to pay if you want to get a copy of all or part of your health records. The cost depends on where your health records are held (on computer, on paper, or both). It also depends on how much information there is and whether there are documents such as x-rays to be copied. 
    • If your health records are held on computer, you will have to pay up to £10 for a copy.
    • If your health records are held on paper, you will have to pay up to £50 for a copy.
    • If your health records are held on computer and on paper, you will have to pay up to £50 for a copy.

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After I've applied, how long will it take?

After you give NHS staff enough information to identify you and your records, and pay any fee, you will get the information within 40 days.

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What if I think information in my health records is incorrect?

If you think information in your records is incorrect, first talk to a member of NHS staff providing your care. What happens next depends on whether or not NHS staff decide the information is incorrect.

  • If they decide the information is incorrect, they will put a line through it so that people can still read it but can see that it has been corrected. They will also attach a note to your records explaining why this has been done.
  • If they decide the information is correct, they will not change it. However, you can choose to have a note attached to your records explaining why you think the information is incorrect.

Usually, information can’t be removed from your records unless a court orders it. NHS staff need your full records to understand earlier decisions that were made about your care and treatment.

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Can I claim compensation?

You can claim compensation if you suffer physical, psychiatric, or financial damage because:

  • information in your records is inaccurate
  • your information is accidentally lost, damaged or destroyed, or disclosed without permission

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Can I see the health records of someone who has died?

  • The law allows you to see records made after 1 November 1991. However, records are usually only kept for three years after death.
  • You can only see that person’s records if you are their personal representative or executor, or if you have a claim as a result of that person’s death. If you are claiming compensation, you can only see information that is relevant to the claim.
  • You won’t be able to see information that could:
    • cause serious harm to your physical or mental health, or anyone else’s 
    • identify another person (except members of NHS staff who have treated the patient), unless that person gives their permission.

  • You won’t be able to see the records of someone who made it clear that they didn’t want other people to see their records after their death.

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Page last edited: 13 October 2009

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