Medical records UK

[Jayne]

Can any fellow Brits tell me the best way of getting copies of my medical records. How far back  can you ask for? Would that also include all blood test results, I have apparently had consistently  low platelets since 1999, and didn't find out until 2008, so what else don't I know. I would really like to go back 25 years when I first had symptoms, would this be impossible?
Hope you can help,
Jayne

[lynnmarie219]

I cant help you with any answers about getting the records as I don't know your system....but I can say that keeping your medical records is a wonderful idea. I do that and I haven't met a doctor yet who thought it was strange and wasn't grateful to get past results.

Hope someone comes along soon to help you out!

[Dolly Dimples]

   Lynne, as far as I know one can get hold of their medical records, I also believe there is a charge to do so!                    I am not sure for what reasons they will give you access, as my Sis in law got hers years ago because of a negligence case  of a  hospital procedure that went wrong. I should think a word with your practitioners secretary would get you some info...   good luck  Dolly

[Scottietottie]

Hi Jayne 

I'm not sure how to access our medical records but I do know that we have the right to do so. Once upon a time we didn't. It quite possibly would cost. I've never gone into that. Since I could access them,, I've always asked for blood test results and always asked hospitals to send me a copy of the letters they send to my GP. I've never tried for 'past records' though but I'm sure under the freedom  of information act we ought to be able to access them. There would probably be a cost involved tjough. After all - someone has to do the work to print them out.

Take care - Scottie 

[wednesday mc haggis]

Jayne

phone the hospital youd recored are likely to be stored, the records are stored in medical records archive, you are now legally entitled to read your notes, but i could be wrong ,in health board i work, record are held for 10 years maximum .That may have changed  under the disclosure act . I have heard that there is a nominal charge , but couldnt tell you what that is, phone your local hospital, ask to be put through to medical records, and ask that department exactly what their policy is ( each health board will likely have their own ) and when you can have access, but yes you are legally entitled to do so.

Sorry you werent aware of low platelets, i fullly understand why youd like to read them, i know reading posts from our american friends, they get copies of all lab results, in the UK there seems to be a patinet last to know anything culture, ive never been in agreement with that.

I know from working in oncology field at one point, that olde rpatients families were told they had cancer, but patinets were only told if family felt that was suitable, until we got a new lady doc ongologist who made it clear, no one had to be referred to her unless, they were fully aware of diagnosis, ive always mad eit clear to my family  I MYSELF, will be first to know, even if im 100 years old, its insulting .

  Anyways give them a call, and go read them, let us know how you get on

T x