The primary function of this circular is to improve the management of NHS records in Health Authorities and NHS Trusts. The circular: sets out the legal obligations for all NHS bodies to keep proper records; explains the actions needed from Chief Executives and other managers to fulfil these obligations; provides guidelines on good practice; explains the requirements to select records for permanent preservation; lists suggested minimum periods for retention of NHS records; and indicates where further information may be found.
This circular replaced and cancelled HC(89)20 and HSG(94)11.
HSC 1999/053 was replaced by Records management: NHS code of practice: Parts 1 and 2 (April 2006)
Consultation on proposals to replace the guidance in this circular with a new Records Management: NHS Code of Practice, covering all types of NHS records regardless of the media on which they are held took place from 30 June 2005 to 30 September 2005.
Records management: NHS code of practice: Parts 1 and 2 was published 6 April 2006
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