Requesting personal information
In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, there is a
formal process to gain access to personal health or employment
records.
The request must:
- be in writing and signed
- Clearly state the name, date of birth and contact details of
the applicant
- Clearly state what information is required
- If a third party is requesting the information, then the
application must include a signed authorisation from the person
whom the information is about.
It can take up to 40 days to obtain personal information, as
stated in the Data Protection Act 1998. This enables the team to
locate the specific information requested.
Cost
In accordance with the Data Protection act 1998 there is a
£10.00 fee applicable to access health records, unless the records
have been updated within the last 40 days. It may be possible to
view the record with a health professional if required. Copies of
the health record are available at a cost of 35p per page, subject
to a maximum fee of £50.00, in accordance with the Data Protection
Act.
Accessing personal records of deceased individuals
Applications to obtain the health records of deceased patients are
dealt with in accordance with the Access to Health Records Act
1990. Please note that there is no automatic right for individuals
to access the health records of the deceased, however, in most
cases a voluntary disclosure will be agreed. In accordance with
this Act there is no maximum charge for copies.
Please send all request forms to:
Legal Services
Countess of Chester Hospital
NHS Foundation Trust
The Countess of Chester Health Park
Liverpool Road
Chester
CH2 1UL