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Access to Health Records
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Last modified date:22 September 2008
Patients have a right of access to health information about themselves. This page provides guidance on the processes to access both living and deceased patient information.
Access to the health records of living patients
Access to the health records of living patients is governed by the Data Protection Act 1998. Guidance on accessing your health information is provided in the links below.
Access to the health records of deceased people
Access to the health records of a deceased person is governed by the Access to Health Records Act 1990. Guidance on accessing deceased patient information is provided in the Frequently Asked Questions link below.
Access to medical reports
Access to medical reports is governed by The Access to Medical Reports Act 1988. The British Medical Association has produced guidance for doctors on the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988
Useful links and relevant legislation
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional links
The NHS Confidentiality Code of Practice
Guidelines on the use and protection of patient information, November 2003.
NHS Care Record Guarantee
The NHS will use records about you in ways that respect your rights and promote your health and wellbeing.
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