Access to records
Who has access to my medical records?
You have the right to obtain copies of all your health records.
To apply, you have to write to your GP or hospital but you don't
have to give a reason for applying. Usually, there is a fee to
pay.
Other people like your employer or mortgage dealer also have
access to your medical records. However, they must not get them
from your doctor before they have informed you, and let you know
what your rights are.
If your doctor is asked to send your medical records on to a
third party, you can ask for a copy of the report. If there's
anything in it you don't agree with, you can ask them to attach
your own notes.
Sometimes you can give companies the right to access your
medical records without realising it. For example, an insurance
company which asks if you've ever been diagnosed with a serious
illness will be granted access to your medical records when you
sign up for that policy.
For more advice on how medical records are accessed visit NHS
Choices.