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.