Your Medical Records

Author: Anna Hollisey

What do your medical records say about you? Who sees them? How are they shared? Are they open to misuse? From typing errors to lax security even the smallest slip-up could result in the inadvertent abuse of your records. And the government’s new scheme to digitalise medical records is causing widespread concern. Should you be worried?

Your Medical Records

The NHS is launching a controversial new scheme this year, intending to upload its entire patient database to a central electronic system called ‘Spine’. Patients will be offered the chance to opt-out of the database, although ministers are hoping that to put an end to prehistoric paper systems. The new system will make your medical records available to thousands of medical staff.

Why the controversy? Well, the Information Commissioner last year stated that more than 300 journalists had obtained private information from government records – due to poor security and insignificant penalties. Campaigners are concerned that the government will not put enough security in place, and the privacy of around 50 million patients could be undermined. They’re also concerned about errors in patient records, after a local councillor discovered that she had been labelled an alcoholic – a simple typing mistake.

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Who can View my Medical Records?

The main benefit of the new NHS database is that it will enable paramedics and hospital staff to access your medical information in an emergency. This is thought to be especially beneficial for the elderly, who may not have close family on-hand.

Other people can view your records, too. Insurers can view your medical records if you’re applying for Critical Illness insurance – if they contain something you haven’t disclosed, your policy could be void. The police can apply for a court order to get access to your medical records if they have due cause to do so. If information on your medical records is believed to be important to the general public’s safety, then a court will give permission.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Medical Records - Your Rights

Patients have a right to see all records held on them (Data Protection Act, 1998). However, medical professionals are entitled to withhold your medical records if:

They contain information that might cause harm to you
They contain information about a third party (this can be removed)
You are applying for someone else’s records (unless you have a letter of consent).

Your medical records are held at your GP’s surgery, which will usually allow you to read them if you ask politely. If there is a problem then you can make an official request in writing, which your surgery or hospital is obliged to answer within 40 days. And if there is a further problem with this, you can complain – first to the NHS (ask for their complaint leaflet), then to the Health Ombudsman, and finally to the Information Commissioner.

When the ‘Spine’ system is rolled out across the UK, patients will receive written notification. You will be given eight weeks to respond to the letter. You can take one of four actions:

Permit your records to be uploaded (there is no need to write).
Object to the uploading of your records.
Place restrictions on the people who are able to view them (i.e. GPs and nurses).
Place restrictions on the information which is uploaded (i.e. you can ask for details such as abortion or HIV tests to be removed).

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180 questions

Ask Your Privacy a Question

Concernedperso 26/10/2020 at 6:50 pm

Hi,
I called my doctors to make an appointment in which they told me I am no longer registered there. I had no idea why and then they told me on the 6th of august someone requested for my records. In which they asked have I tried to register with another doctors elsewhere. I said no as I haven’t needed to go to doctors until now.

I’m concerned they’ve closed my account and passed on my details to someone unknown without my consent / signature.

What do i do?

Daddy 16/09/2020 at 10:07 pm

Wife was told incorrectly 12 months ago she lacked capacity but we are trying to get medical records but doctor keeps blocking our request not sure of next step

olady 29/10/2019 at 1:29 pm

For a doctor and midwife to have rights to gossip and lied against a patient for no good reason and sharing the patients information up and down as they liked without the their consents is highest form of abuse! After wasting time with complaints to do cover up claiming to have duty care they can kill you and get away with it i can never trust any doctor or whoever never again abuses in hospitals and go surgery are hidden I do not need medical care ever again please how do I close medical account thanks

Jinty 13/07/2019 at 7:56 pm

Anyone reading this submitting a complaint to PHSO and ICO need to realise very few are
resolved satisfactorily. Forget financial compensation unless it is life threatening. You
will also find weeks go by without hearing from the Caseworker or Case Officer
and when you do make an enquiry, your complaint is turned down. If you submit evidence
in support of what you say you usually find nothing is said about it in the decision letter.
If you resubmit because you have further and better particulars you could find your complaints are intercepted by the same person who rejected your earlier complaint thus removing your rights under statutory legislation. It is a criminal offence to alter and falsify medical records but somehow a GP is able to ingratiate themselves to the Caseworker or Case Officer. How can anyone justify a reply that the GP didn't alter and didn't remove historic records in defence of having rewritten the patients records entirely? It happens and NHS patients need to know what their position is.
For those who are able to see my details, please feel free to contact me to validate what
I have said.

Janet 30/04/2019 at 6:53 am

I had detail work done and caused a lot of damage my dentist has said he didn't carry out the work so this must mean he's destroid the records but had the older info on me but I have no red or of it is there any way I can find my data that's been destroid off his computer no one will help me they say there's nothing they can do I just can't believe a dentist can do this I'm shocked that no one will help also he could cause something worse for someone if he's aloud to get away with it I'm lucky I didn't get brain damage and go blind yet he can just destroy the records can anyone help me please ?

Bunny 20/04/2019 at 1:22 pm

Your medical records are Sensitive Data and the GDPR Data Protection Act doesn't allow sharing without your specific consent. Also, the data shared should be only the absolute minimum needed. If someone has gained access to your medical record without your consent you should contact the Information Commissioner's Office using their complaint form. It would be useful to have as much information as possible to substantiate your complaint. Write down exactly what was said and by whom and when. You can apply under the Freedom of Information Act to see documents which are written about you. So, if Social Services had Medical information which you feel they shouldn't, you could apply to a them under the FOI act under Subject Access rules to see anything which they have written about you. Was that medical info supplied by your GP or hospital etc. You can find out under the FOI Act. It can be a lengthy process. Have a look on the ICO website, give them a call, they take ages to answer But their advisors are very knowledgeable. Keep copies of letters, emails etc. and note down conversations in a diary. If you are well prepared and have as much information as you can, you'll definitely be able to find out what's happened.

KP 12/04/2019 at 8:06 pm

Just wondering if anybody can shed any light. Social services have recently been involved with something concerning my partner and access to his daughter. We were sat in a meeting and they bought up both of our medical records. Are they allowed to do this and if so, why mine as well? I just found it extremely humiliating and as far as I'm aware is that not breach of data protection? Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Marie 07/04/2019 at 8:42 pm

I recently requested my medical records from my local gp practise. The practise manager refused to give them to me if I did not reveal my reason for wanting them. When I went to collect them they were in a plain white unaddressed envelope. I did not think this was the correct way to handle sensitive personal documents. I took advice from the ICO. Search online for them. I sent a written complaint to the surgery giving them 28 days to respond. They did so but not satisfactorily, so I have now put the matter into the Parliamentary and Health service Ombudsman's hands. Their information is available online. They are looking into the matter andxwill contact me shortly. This is the correct way to deal with these types of complaints

Corkey 31/03/2019 at 7:50 pm

I recently had an ENT appointment as I am suffering from tinnitus, I am now being inundated with advertisements for Tinnitus, someone has told these companies of my problem, can they do this?

I am the storm 30/03/2019 at 9:43 pm

Have tried to change surgeries only to find that the new place appears to have "shredded" my application (according to the receptionist there; she then advised me to apply again whch I will if onlyto see if this happens again) and my current GP has wiped the details of previous appointments, access records audit trail and medication from my on-line account. I would sincerely like to know why. I plan to go for a Subject Access Request to see if this sheds any light on what is happening. I was under the impression fron the NHS website, that GPs cannot ask why you are changing surgeries and cannot block the move either.

Olivia 26/03/2019 at 4:57 pm

my med. docs have been shared between hospitals without my consent and state that I have calcification in my right lung possibly as a consequence of talcing, but are only guessing. This is wrong on all levels. I have never been told that I have calcification. Why would they discuss it amongst themselves without the patient being told or consented.They should have asked if I would consent to sharing especially to a hospital where i would never go for treatment. What if the calcification is cancerous. All my father's side die of cancer. This is medical negligence not informing me and breach of confidentiality and betrayal of trust. I will never go to a hospital again.

Don 24/02/2019 at 9:43 pm

Information
I've had a med restriction put on me without my knowledge . Is this legal can I find out who and why

Mcflys 08/12/2018 at 9:42 am

Incorrect information from somebody else's arrest has been used on my doctor's records

ProfX 12/11/2018 at 8:24 pm

I had my medical records rifled through and altered by a GP & his mate GP in a case of a nurse stealing drugs and poisoning members of the public and the police too busy avoiding crimes of the GPS was asked to help with forensics to get the police to do their job. Instead he did the opposite trying to make sure the nurse got away with it.

Maybe one day we'll do away with creapy doctors & & all their routine lying colusion & coverup & replace them with expert systems which are already outperforming them

Alz 31/10/2018 at 4:39 pm

Hi can my medical records after a mental illness stay be shown to child protection without me being informed or without my consent?

Rodene 30/10/2018 at 5:04 pm

I got section by a racist corrupt transport police officer for no valid health rasons, the police stated she was doing it because I wasnt allowed to mention one of the people involved in the harassment I was trying to report to the police. The detention was illegal, corrupt,vindictive and done on purpose, I was assaulted in a room with 4 police officers for no valid reasons than abused stabbed with needles and tortured under judith chapmans SS squad. So the police wouldnt get sued for this unlawful detention they asked a doctor i never spoke to nor was she at the police station, she lied on my NHS records that I had some serious mental health episode on the day I was detained, the truth is that I didnt and despite seeing psychologist there after and being diagnosed with acute stress. The doctors have refused to delete that fabricated lie so I cant sue the police nor social services in leeds for the horrific abuse they put me through. That lie has kept me in the system even though Im not supposed to be and the leeds ambulance have been asked by the police to harass me for four years about that incidence going as far as traumatising me daily at our home with sirens showing up in town harassing me. We wrote to Jeremy Hunt the head of NHS about how police in leeds are able to manipulate medical staff to cover up police misconduct patient profiling. That NHS lie on my records has ruined my careers allowed some corrupt ss to show up at our home intimidating me because an advocate tried to help me find out who had lied on my medical records! Its left me in fear since the police can missuse this lie to discriminate and control me, coercive control and lying on medical records is illegal so why does the NHS make it so difficult for NHS patients to amend and delete bullocks writen by fraudulent doctors on their records even with the correct diagnoses on the records? in Wales they have a systrm called PATIENT KNOWS BEST this allowes patients to have things amended. How many corrupt police and ambulance crew get away detaining women harmning them and than lying on their records, how many people are locked up in england in a ward due to does lies!!!???

Walnut&Coffee 25/10/2018 at 3:29 pm

My GP surgery has shared private information with another organisation. I have full NHS opt-out confirmed in writing. What's more, the information was wrong and has caused me much distress and embarrassment. I cannot find a solicitor who deals with data breaches of this nature. I have started a complaint with the ICO but I have to wait 40 days first. What recourse through the law do I have?

Neccie 09/10/2018 at 1:19 pm

I have gained a copy of my medical records this has maid my self so angry . There has been a problem a mix up. I am a foster parent this could effect my life and the children I care for . It had said that I take drugs and drink way to much ???? This is all rong the dates are from 2011-2012 I have contacted my gp and all they can say is that they could put belived to be rong at this side . I don't think so there has to be something that they can do as it figures this information belongs to my sister

hit 24/08/2018 at 9:58 am

my previous heath visitor recorded unrelavsnt some intimation was mistook communication caused and how can I requirest for mend it , many thanks !

Trish 20/08/2018 at 10:50 am

Hi my need some information about my medical history as my doctor sent my whole medical history to esa citizens rights and tribunal without my permission

Rosoe Editor 31/07/2018 at 12:25 pm

@Londoner - you would have to take it up with the surgery directly. There isn't really anything else you can do. I don't think you can make a claim.

Londoner 30/07/2018 at 9:32 pm

I’m really sorry that previous advice message didn’t even make sense properly.my phone has predictive texting, I hope some one gets the jist of it and gives me advice

Londoner 30/07/2018 at 9:29 pm

Hi,
I would like some advice from anyone who reads this, my husband and I share the same surgery recently he was prescribed the same medicine as me unbeknown to me, because e works nights and because of the surgery times I have to call her early in the morning to get an appointment. So I called the surgery and asked for a appointment once the receptionist had taken all his info she said a phone call would be better, he hadn’t had a call back and asked me to chase it up twice, they didn’t call, the receptionist even asked is for you. The next day I made a appointment for Home and complained to the receptionist the day before,so anyway my husband goes to his appointment and is accused by the doctor for giving me the medicine and discussed my medical history with him, if he had given me the medicine then I told wouldn’t want any advice but I feel dee Let let down? There my medical records what do I do next?

jw 26/07/2018 at 12:29 pm

my files have been shared without my consent what can or should i do?

pewe 20/07/2018 at 10:18 am

Is there any way that someone can find out if their name has been recorded in someone else's medical records.
For example, someone has suffered an injury and goes to their GP and the GP asks how they incurred the injury to be told - Fred assaulted me. Is Fred entitled to any information recorded on the patient's file that mentions him by name?

Bimble 19/07/2018 at 6:47 pm

The DWP Child Maintenance Service asked me to justify my Ailment and reason for long term sickness. Can Companies demand legally you verbally divulge medical information?

Laurie Editor 09/07/2018 at 9:41 am

@cindy - I don't think they're going to read 'all' your records - they don't have time between patients. It's up to you to fill in the details - I imagine the doc just gives your records a quick glance.

cindy 08/07/2018 at 7:14 am

on recent visit too my doctor he did blood test then wanted another one for the menopause all in my records i went through early menopause in my late 30s does doctor never read any of your file before they see you,never get regular doctor

Ferrety 04/07/2018 at 11:19 am

Sorry if we're going over old ground here;
I have been with the same private opticians since the mid 70's. The owner recently sold the business and I have swapped to a new optician. I have requested a copy of my full history from the new owners of my original opticians. They have refused and said that they are not legally obliged to do this; all they are prepared to send me is a copy of my latest prescription.
Is this the case? (surely not). They said that they could pass them on to my new optician. They also said that it would be meaningless to me as i am not medically trained (which is true but rather patronising).
How do I get them to send me a copy of my records?

Oggui Editor 25/06/2018 at 2:09 pm

@Lea - I don't think she can without permission.

Lea 23/06/2018 at 10:33 pm

I have a friend who work's behind the desk at my surgery. Can she look through my medical history? As it is confidential and even though she is my friend I wouldn't like to think she can look through my files.

jacali458 22/06/2018 at 12:27 pm

I recently applied for a life insurance policy through a broker with zurich life.The broker was adamant that when i signed the form access to medical report that I tick the box I do NOTwish to see the report before it is returned to zurich as this delays proceedings but due to my GP getting my records wrong in the past Iinsisted that I see the report before it is sent to zurich. I ticked the box I DO want to see the report before it is returned to zurich. This morning I receive a call from the broker saying that zurich has declined my policy based on the medical report they have received. At NO time has the GP ever consulted me about the report or made any attempt to show me the report despite my clear instructions. I feel disgusted at this and an invasion of privacy and at a minimum a breach of the data protection act. I am about to seek legal advice before I go to the expense of a solicitor I just wondered if anyone had any views ?. Many thanks Jamie

Lee 15/04/2018 at 12:25 am

Our daughter in law sent us some doctors letters trying to prove she had lupus but in fact they proved otherwise now she is saying they are confidential and we have to delete
Them or she will get us in trouble is this possible

BeckZ Editor 16/04/2018 at 2:30 pm

@judo - I think if the court orders it in a child access case then social services can hand information to the courts. Don't know if that is relevant or helps you at all.

judo 14/04/2018 at 11:53 am

social service have got hold of my medical records without my consent have they broken the law by ding this
there is nothing bad on them but im not happy they can find out things about me i told my doctor

EllieU Editor 09/02/2018 at 12:29 pm

@Xt4mv - only if your ex is given permission to retrieve your records could he. Anyone who accesses records is logged. Massively sackable offence and more.

Xt4mv 06/02/2018 at 6:09 pm

My abusive ex boyfriend is a paramedic. We split up years ago but I’m concerned that he could access my medical records and find out my address and private information. Is this possible?

Spot 08/01/2018 at 10:14 pm

Can a private doctor that I made a appointment with get my medical records from another Dr without? my consent.

YourPrivacy Editor 19/12/2017 at 9:47 am

Health records are confidential so you can only access someone else's records if you’re authorised to do so. To access someone else's health records, you must: be acting on their behalf with their consent, or have legal authority to make decisions on their behalf (power of attorney), or have another legal basis for access, please see NHS whichwhich will tell you all you need to know.

Anny 18/12/2017 at 8:04 am

My boyfriend is a nhs dentist working in another town and he knows a lot of other NHS professionals, he made a statement the other day about being able to access my medical records. Can he do that without my consent or in any other way?

JimM Editor 04/12/2017 at 3:40 pm

@JP - Much depends upon what your landlord wants your medical records for. As a rule your landlord cannot ask your GP for a medical report on you without your knowledge and consent. You do not have to give your consent. If you do agree, you can ask to see the doctor’s report before it is sent to your landlord. Complain directly to your landlord first - they should have a complaints policy that you can follow.

JP 04/12/2017 at 8:16 am

Two years ago I rented a property through a letting agent, two years on the owner has asked me to go to my doctor and provide him with my medical records.
Where does the law stand on this and to whom do I make complaint?

rick 18/10/2017 at 4:14 pm

Hi my partner and her friend was booked to go on holiday in August. She was lead passenger, she was unfortunate enough to catch meningitis, she was lead passenger and her insurance has paid out but her friends insurance has requested my partners medical records, saying that the consultants and discharge notes are not good enough is this correct.
Thanks in advance

MikeVF Editor 14/09/2017 at 3:28 pm

@Niggle - it was a mistake, give the NHS a break. Are you really trying to find a way to sue when you get such amazing treatment for free....

Niggle 12/09/2017 at 3:10 pm

I had an instance where I was sent for an MRI because of incorrect information stored on my patient record. All other details on my record were correct when checked by the nurse at the MRI centre, however, there was an additional entry on my record that does not belong to me and was the reason I had been called in. It just so happens I am in need of various scans for various ailments that the request for an MRI wasn't out of the blue for me, but the reason, it seemed was completely incorrect. Have the NHS crossed any legal boundaries regarding my patient record/data protection?

Lesley 05/09/2017 at 8:25 pm

I was recently at a meeting in regards to my children being put on child protection! No harm has ever came to the children and it's basically just due to 1 of my sons dads being abusive/violent towards me! He is now however behind bars! Moving on....when I was at the meeting about the future for the boys which included school nurse/headmistress/social worker/police/chairman/health visitor and gps receptionist...my medical records were blurted out for all to hear! Including appointments id missed dating back to 2008!!! Not that I had anything to hide but if I did have some sort of problem that I didn't want the world to hear I'm sure that would have been blurted out!? I became extremely angry and irate! I had never been asked for my medical records to be looked into and if I was I asked I would have given consent but it's the principal of it and also I find it a flaw in the system! Do I have any rights? Where these people allowed to do this?

suzyq 26/08/2017 at 1:56 pm

Hi, I have medical records that have been falsified and changed. I have now seen the EMIS audit trail which shows up a lot of Anonymous and AUTO log in's and deletes.
and the wrong Gp name logged in also. How can someone Anonymous enter details and delete them? Along with the Gp logging in at 11pm and midnight to enter/change records?

Kipper 22/08/2017 at 2:04 am

I recently had to see my company Doctor who asked me to sign a consent release form for my records held within my company, He did not give me a reason why I should sign it, this has happened several times in the course of visits my company has asked me to attend.
With this Doctor.
Is this legal?
Further more, l recently had suspicions that surgery visits within the company were being relayed to the personnel department without my concent.
This being evident after I was sent home for high blood pressure and the next day a news letter
Was put out within the factory about blood pressure!
I raised this with the company GP the next time I saw him
Can he raise this with the company without my permission?

Lizzy 07/06/2017 at 12:33 pm

Can my ex who has a daughter who is a nurse look at my medical records

Matt Editor 26/05/2017 at 2:24 pm

@Jennie - sounds like a mistake has been made somewhere along the line - but what that mistake is, is anyone's guess.

Jennie 26/05/2017 at 12:35 pm

Hi just had a phone call from my doctors saying there has been an admistration problem with my records anyone know what that means please?

Dolly 13/03/2017 at 8:08 am

I called the ambulance to commit my friend who is incredibly unwell.
The cop asked my mom if I'm taking my medication.
Can cops find my records when I'm telling them to send my schizophrenic friend to the psych ward?

nevergiveup77 26/02/2017 at 4:17 pm

Ive just recieved a letter via my solicitor stating i was dianosed with a dissorder which i never saw a doctor about and also it says i had domestic violence in 2010 when i was single and moved too. how do i have this changed.

grumpy 18/02/2017 at 12:30 pm

so how come my motor insurers have access yo my medicalrecords and know more about my health than I do ... I've not knowingly given consent for this...or is consent now secretly hidden away in the terms and conditions. How come the CUE database has info about me and my medical history. Is the 'spine' system up and going allowing various parties including the police to access my medical records without my or gp consent or is my gp team lying to me when they say they havent given out my information?

TG%^ Editor 16/01/2017 at 10:47 am

@protector - a court would be able to request them, but your ex can't personally. For instance if hypothetically you had a drug or alcohol problem and your ex was using this as a cause for unreasonable behaviour and you denied you had a problem, then if it was relevant to the court case the court can request the medical records. Tess

protector 15/01/2017 at 3:52 am

Can my wife access my medical records or can a court demand doctors information
to prove something in a divorce court about unreasonable behaviour PLEASE HELP??

Nari 01/01/2017 at 11:24 am

if a patient is HIV pos & needs to find an optician will they be able to see my medical records at a routine eye exam? as I have put off going as I dont want people to look down their nose at me(believe me since my diagnoses I have had a lot of it especially from so called health providers, inc the ones that make it blatant they pity you(Aww)

panda 10/12/2016 at 11:24 pm

and before you say I can assert my legalrights,, remember I'm nita child. Litigation is pathetic. it helps no-one. My hubby will be dead in a few years. That cant be changed now. I have enough money. Revenge is for fools. Doctors need a big shift in working practces. Stuff has moved on too much for any individual doc or evena small team to get it right. Bloodsucking lawyers are shifting medical practice against the patient. Parliament needs to address this. What will become of our society if we continue this way. My hubby and I are totally screwed due to medical practice as a result in changing information dynamics. Please work out how to modifyNHS.

Panda 10/12/2016 at 11:10 pm

My hubbyjust showed me that post. You obviously aint gonna let it stand. Butyoushould. I gave hima kidneyfot God sake. And the NHS now screws him and me over coz he's scared and stupid enough to moan. They wont even see me now. The promised me annual reviews when I donated. They lied. I am denied access as well. What the heck is wrong with you people ? Get some morality ?

lostallhope 10/12/2016 at 10:30 pm

So, in reality, if your gp practice decide to falsify your records by asserting substance abuse and mental health issues, and deny real and serious medical problems, refusing investigation, in order to protect themselves for their criminal offences and life threatening, limiting and diminishing mistakes and then allow pretty much anyone associated with the NHS who asks to gain access to the falsified records, showing the patient to be undeservng of treatment, there is really nothing a patient can do.

If criminal offences bydoctors are known (by the patient) to have been committed, going to the police doesnt work as the records are just edited by the gp and specialist teams and the critical aspects of them were never given in writing to the patient anyway (despite FOI access requests)

If a patient gets private 'out of area' tests done to prove there are severe medical problems and then these are denied by the NHS as valid due to bad (ie non-NHS/ unclear) testing protocols, then the NHS re-tested results show no problems and the private testing company is told to doctor the results next time (they do this by talking to the lab manager at the testing centre..so the results off the analyser are edited before being sent to the docs).

Then the doctors place dnacpr on the patient without letting the patient know for no valid reason and when confronted by the patient they simply tell them they are dead now.

So, what should a patient do if they've already challenged NHS doctors when they make severe and life threatening errors due to incompetence, compound them with malice and try to destroy the patients credibility by manipulating opinions in small communities. Should they jstaccept that they are dead folk walking ?

SM 22/11/2016 at 9:40 pm

Hi I am paying for private cosmetic treatment and would like to ask if this will show up on my GP records?

YourPrivacy Editor 16/11/2016 at 10:19 am

Health records are confidential so you can only access someone else’s records if you’re authorised to do so. To access someone else’s health records, you must: be acting on their behalf with their consent, or have legal authority to make decisions on their behalf (power of attorney), or have another legal basis for access, please see NHS which

missbumble 15/11/2016 at 7:41 am

can my dentist look at my medical records?

noname 12/11/2016 at 3:18 pm

How can i find out who, other than my gp team, have accessed my medical records please ?

YourPrivacy Editor 08/11/2016 at 11:16 am

You would have to contact your GP directly to make your request. You have the right to have any factual inaccuracies corrected and you can ask your health professional about amending your records if you believe they contain a factual error. However, your GP cannot remove information that is factually correct.

Star 07/11/2016 at 4:02 pm

How would I go about having information removed/restrictions placed on information re: abortion from 2011 ?

YourPrivacy Editor 24/10/2016 at 11:16 am

An employer can only see your records if you give your written consent, for more information.

Blank 23/10/2016 at 10:50 am

If I get diagnosed with mental illnesses now, will future employers be able to see or is there a way to close the records off?

YourPrivacy Editor 18/10/2016 at 11:23 am

If you are based in the UK (we are a UK site that deals only with UK law), then insurance companies can routinely order medical records of customers when they apply for insurance.

ludmila gausena 17/10/2016 at 1:56 pm

I have aplied for life insurens and thw company send me a letter to sign so thwy can access my mwdical records...i not had time to send this letter back to the insurens company and the other day i received another letter from them saying they have received all the info from my GP .can the GP give my records without my permision?

YourPrivacy Editor 13/10/2016 at 1:54 pm

You would have approach your GP practice/hospital directly to request this. If the information is incorrect then patients can be given legal right to have 'factual errors' corrected in their medical records.

JJ123 12/10/2016 at 10:08 pm

Can I delete medical issues that I do not have as it is stopping me from getting a military career.

Rach 25/09/2016 at 2:00 pm

Can police obtain my abusive ex's medical records through a court order
To help convict him
As the IPCC have admitted the police failed me getting a conviction
Even though his medical records would have proved his abuse towards me
The police have said he might not of allowed them access to his records
So could they of obtained them through applying to the courts

smithy 24/09/2016 at 9:12 am

My medical records do not show a telephone consultation that i had. It has now come to light because of another process going on. How can I get this amended. Does this sort of error occur regularly or how can I prove I had this consultation if surgery hasn't recorded it.

Jo67 Editor 22/09/2016 at 10:12 am

@steve405 - we are still bound by confidentiality - I wouldn't worry Steve 405.

steve405 21/09/2016 at 12:15 am

If I change my GP practice does it mean that the medical staff at my old practice are no longer bound by patient confidentiality rules because I am not a patient at their practice anymore and that they could then discuss my doctors notes and disclose them to others outside the practice ?

Angie 20/09/2016 at 8:06 pm

I had an attemped suicide in June this year because I suffer from generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for 7 years but was left twisting in the wind with only the odd random out patient appointment. My condition came about as a result of an abusive marriage. I have a 10 year old son.
A case conference was held at the social work office and a report was shoved under my nose 2 minutes before entering a room containing 15 people!
Splashed accross the front of it was ' Attemped suicide etc etc'
Aswell as being mentioned at least 6 times within the report.
A copy of the report was sent to my child's father and he found it hilarious and is passing it around like a newspaper. Social work were warned about him and how vindictive he is but worded the the report the way they did regardless. My solicitor says they could quite easily have highlighted how sick I was without doing that to me. They have left me open to a new line of abuse from my ex husband.
Is there anything I can do about this? And where is the line drawn when it comes to privacy. I might aswell have had the worst period of my life tattooed across my forehead

middlesbroughpaul 17/09/2016 at 11:01 pm

i used to work for ssi and I am having problems with my health but because ssi was liquidated. I have been told that I or a solicitor can not access my medical records from the works are they allowed to do this or because It has been liquidated is there a fee

cs19752804 10/09/2016 at 7:19 pm

My gp's have basically refused to medicate me for my medical condition. I have been sent to the hospital a couple of times and they won't even look at me. I have only just found out that my medical records state I have a history of substance abuse. Having never had any history of substance abuse I would like to know if I can seek criminal prosecution of the person responsible for falsifying my medical records?

Keith99 06/09/2016 at 11:54 pm

I've fallen out with my GP and don't want to register with any other GP at that practice.
There is another GP practice not far away. If I register and tell them I've never registered with a GP before, will they be able to see my previous medical records?
Thank you

Newton's Cat 03/09/2016 at 6:31 pm

In 1962 I was sectioned for a month after a suicide attempt. I've not seen a psychiatrist since. In 2009 I saw my GP about a minor physical problem ... what came up on his screen read:
Age 19 years
Sectioned
Suspected schizophrenia
No definite diagnosis
The doctor's attitude towards me instantly changed.
Obviously he was one of those people who habours religiously based opinions about this label.
I changed surgery .... but I've been refused access to what was written about me.
"Don't worry, nobody will take any notice of this after all this time"
Ah ... but some people do!
In fact a significant percentage of medical professionals do.

liz 31/08/2016 at 4:44 am

10 years ago I went to a psychiatrist in the NHS. Many things which did not happen were written about me.There is a lot of information which is fraudulent. My Gp surgery now has access to the records. They have been preventing me from being treated fairly, they have been taking things into their own hands, ignoring my concerns every time. At the time i managed to gain access to the written records by social workers, psychiatrists, nurses involved. It was something that they tried to stop me from doing as it revealed everything about the way I was treated and the fraudulent actions they took. Many malicious lies. There is no doubt they were corrupt. I lost those papers and deleted them. I recently gained access to them via the foi act. The new records did not show the information I had before. Could it have been deleted or could it still be in the records and they are keeping it from me. Please advise.

Julie 20/08/2016 at 7:20 pm

Can receptionists/drivers for the out of hours doctors see my medical history on their computers by typing in my details?

Bertini 14/08/2016 at 7:07 am

In a gp surgery, do admin staff get asked by the gp to type up patient notes following a visit? Or does the doctor type up all there own notes?
Do admin staff have access to view patient records or is it restricted?

Survivor 04/08/2016 at 9:07 am

I had AIH when i was a young girl of 12 I've had the best treatment under the M.R.I.
This is the only hepatitis that is not viral it's an autoimmune condition, which did not have a name when I was a girl , in 2002 I got heptapular carcinoma and st.james offered me atransplant , I waited 5 hours for a donor liver and could not wish for better treatment .
In 2005 a rogue cell went in my lung and I had a lung resection .
I went for a medical which my GP sent my history, and it said I'd had a stroke , mental impairment, osteopenia , all unknown to me.
I got a summary care record , it says hepatitis unspecified . Hepatitis NOS , I also noticed that I have a medical restriction , in all these years going in with all my comorbidities I've never seen any body for my pain or anxiety . Went to see GP he said what you doing here have you got a rash , I asked if I was flagged as viral , we do not discriminate was his reply , discriminate about what I said autoimmune no fault of mine my own body attacking its self . Since then he's made up blood reviews made out that I've been abusive to the gps at the practice . I've now changed gp and my co morbidities are wrong . I could go on but I just need my records to be right I know I'm on the icd 10 as I have a z20 on my code and a pathogen code in microbiology , c3.26/476 b1 . Nobody is listening to me I'm not allowed to see my own records , and it does sound like I'm mentally impaired because it's hard for me to believe let alone anybody else .

Janey 03/08/2016 at 8:47 am

Many hospitals and GPs engage in fraudulent record keeping to undermine difficult (read well informed) patients and there is NOTHING you can do about it.
There is no independent complaints process, you can only go to PHSO and they have a well documented history of corruption which I myself have experienced.

My NHS gp refuses specialist referrals across the board because they don't want to pay for them. When i have asked for referrals and been refused, this is not even entered onto my record! Fraud in other words.

I also attended a hospital with classic brain tumour symptoms; the hospital - without telling me - entered a diagnosis of "depression" as a legal defence for failing to make a diagnosis. I went elsewhere days later and the brain tumour was picked up. The hospital now refuses to correct my record and failed to respond to a subject access request for records to back up its bogus diagnosis.

The NHS is so corrupt it is downright terrifying.
The legal system supports this corruption, because all NHS people have to do is claim it was a "clinical opinion" even if it was a malicious lie and the law says you cannot have a clinical opinion deleted.

Also, the more you expose nhs corruption, the more you become a target.

Jucha 27/07/2016 at 8:47 pm

I was prescribed the morning after pill when I was 15 and a half, I am now 16. Can social services access this without my permission?

YourPrivacy Editor 22/07/2016 at 11:49 am

Social Services can access your records if they are authorised to do so and are acting on your behalf and/or have a legal basis for access.

Chloe01 20/07/2016 at 2:38 pm

I'm 15 and on the child protection plan, can social services see my health records without my permission?

YourPrivacy Editor 18/07/2016 at 10:22 am

I can only give you the information in the comment below, 'as a rule anyone accessing your records will have their details recorded and must be directly involved in caring for you. I do no know how access to records is policed within the NHS. However, all records will have an audit trail. If you need further information regarding this then you should contact the ICO directly

taggy 17/07/2016 at 4:41 am

I am a patient with the local mental health team. Does anyone know if someone (a staff member) who used to work with that team but now works somewhere else ( in the nhs) would still have access to my mental health notes and if so would it be traceable if this person had accessed my notes? How would i find out?

carrie 13/07/2016 at 3:29 pm

i was mentally ill 40 years ago. my old doctor told me he had deleted all knowledge about this. I was very upset when my new doctor asked me about " my problem ". i thought after so long it was law that such information be deleted, meaning no one could access it. to me it was never true, the doctor at the time ( unqualified ) because i was not ill, put a slanderous name to my illness. I came home this morning and cried.my new doctor had opened up a wound that had healed.

YourPrivacy Editor 06/07/2016 at 12:52 pm

As a rule anyone accessing your records will have their details recorded and must be directly involved in caring for you. I do no know how access to records is policed within the NHS. However, all records will have an audit trail. If you need further information regarding this then you should contact the ICO directly

justasking 05/07/2016 at 5:12 pm

Can a ex partner who is a GP access my records at all?
If so can I find out or can I place a block that as he is a GP ...that that GP is not allowed to view my notes due to being my ex.

I feel he is.

So I really could do with some advice on this.

YourPrivacy Editor 30/06/2016 at 10:44 am

You can write to your GP, While have already seen a summary of your records, you may have to enquire about the additional information contained.

Ste 29/06/2016 at 12:41 pm

When I was 4 years old I attending counselling. It is on my medical records as I have seen it however I would like to know why I had it. Is there any way I can retrieve this information and read my notes. ??

YourPrivacy Editor 28/06/2016 at 11:34 am

The NHS does not discriminate about who can and who cannot see their medical records, please see NHS link for more information here.

Trojan 27/06/2016 at 3:31 pm

Hi I only realised now I can obtain my medical records online.but what I was wondering does this apply to people who suffer mental health problems and if so why. If it's written about you you can view it not brush off saying it's sensitive can you please clarify this as I am very interested on it

Dee 17/06/2016 at 6:48 am

I've been seriously hurt by a TLCO back brace, the NHS won't give my solicitor my medical records, been waiting over a year or more !!! Wasting time, so you end up timed out, how very distressing at a time like this, please any advise would be welcome kind regards. Dee.

YourPrivacy Editor 26/05/2016 at 11:51 am

You will need to seek legal advice as this question is outside our remit to answer.

CATKEY 25/05/2016 at 3:49 pm

1 month ago, my partner was given someone else's tablets by the chemist. Since then, it has transpired that he was given this other person's nhs no. a year ago when he registered as a new patient and has been using it ever since! It has become a huge mess since we discovered this as both patients records have now been amalgamated as a result of the said surgery attaching my partner to the wrong nhs. no on 'the spine'. NHS England said that the records have now been cleansed but when we viewed my partner's records at his current surgery, 95% were this other chap's! The records held extremely sensative information and we and NHS England still do not know where my partner's actual records are! Ourselves and the other person concerned have made a multi agency complaint and the Surgery has admitted the mistake and apologised but we feel that an apology is not enough. We are still unclear as to whether or not blood results have been mixed up and my partner was prescribed insulin last August even though he is type 2 diabetic and the surgery had None of his previous records. We have also just found out that this other persons med recs were given to the council Aug last yr instead of my partners and we believe this affected our housing application priority assessment because it now seems they thought my partner was a liar as to his health condition as the evidence provided by the doctor did not match what we were telling them - we have only just found this out when we looked at the file as part of a subject access request.
Can we sue them for professional negligence and data protection breach? This has and still is causing huge distress to all concerned.

YourPrivacy Editor 23/05/2016 at 11:26 am

You will not be given your medical records directly. Your GP can arrange to have your records transferred directly to the new GP you sign up with.

Joanna 22/05/2016 at 12:07 pm

Can I request to have my medical records to take with me when moving to another country. Would appreciate your response. Thanks

Love 09/05/2016 at 3:09 pm

My dr put on my records not to give me narcotics. Being a nurse that looks like i am a drug addict i have terrible neuropathy pain which still testing to see but it sends off red flags because his opinion.

None 07/05/2016 at 5:32 pm

Hi , recently I went to my surgery to give blood for some test , and chatting away I told her I was disqualified from driving and she type it in my medical record I was very surprised. The next time I went to my surgery to see my doctor I told him about this situation and that I went it removed from my medical records as I was only speaking to her in confidential and it has no relevant to my illness so it shouldn't be in my medical records . The doctor said he will speak to the nurse . I just want to know if the nurse had the right to put this on my medical record . Thank you .

YourPrivacy Editor 25/04/2016 at 11:45 am

Only if you think the information in your health records is incorrect can you approach the relevant health professional in order to ask to have your health records amended.

Alpha 24/04/2016 at 3:41 pm

Can I get my GP to delete things from my medical history

big gaz 23/04/2016 at 3:55 pm

theres a record of a prescription of oral steroids in 2015 on my gp records which i never had but my gp is saying they cant do much about it but it is stopping my military career what can i do to get this taken off plz help im desperate to get this sorted out as its messing my career up

david 31/03/2016 at 2:56 pm

Can a school get a medical report without my permission

YourPrivacy Editor 11/03/2016 at 12:35 pm

You cannot delete your notes on your GP records, unless it is by request. As specified in the article, if you are concerned about any area of your medical records then you should contact your GP by making an official request in writing, which your surgery or hospital is obliged to answer within 40 days.

JJ 10/03/2016 at 6:51 pm

Is there any way I can delete any of my notes on my doctor records?

kerianne 09/03/2016 at 12:23 pm

I need help I think I have bipolar and am in need of psychiatric assessment and therapy. I want to disclose very personal things in order to receive the right help however I a have kids and am worried my health records will be used against me .I also intent to seek social services help but have heard they use health records against people? Is there a way I can stop or limit what will be shared.?

alfs 26/02/2016 at 4:29 pm

My ex sister in law works at the local hospital. I know in the past she has accessed family records even though she knew she wasn't allowed to. Can I check if she has accessed mine or put any measures in place to prevent her doing this? I noticed someone had asked a similar question but I can't see a response. Thanks.

Pat 19/02/2016 at 11:38 pm

Hi,
My mom had 2 total knee replacement surgeries in 2002 and i was wondering if i can get medical records for those surgeries. How do i go about getting them?

Fluffy 16/02/2016 at 7:30 pm

My younger brother has my copy of my medical notes and is distributing them to anyone he thinks can use them against me. The police and solicitors don't want to know. What can I do?

YourPrivacy Editor 15/02/2016 at 10:19 am

I am sorry to hear this. You would have to contact your GP or hospital directly as an ultrasound image may have been kept with your medical records.

MissMoo 14/02/2016 at 12:47 am

I had a forced termination in 1996 and had a scan picture of my baby from hospital.
Is it possible to get replacment scan picture as my ex tore it up when we seperated. I still suffer flashbacks and regret it so much, especially as i cannot have children now with my husband.

wolverine 12/02/2016 at 9:19 am

I believe a family member (that we do not speak to) who works for the NHS is accessing mine and other people's medical history on the computer. How do I go about finding out if they are?

Jane 12/02/2016 at 8:26 am

Hi, my boyfriend assaulted me and I was getting counselling before and after as i was having a hard time as it was an abusive relationship. I saw my GP about the abuse and she referred me to the counsellor in the first place and she was really nice and supportive. She wrote down my injuries. I saw her loads of times and I think she knew me best. I ended up reporting the domestic violence to the the police a couple of months later when my partner threatened to hurt me again. My counsellor wrote a report before she moved jobs for my new counsellor which talks about the violence but she has written stuff in there about her opinions on me which I don't agree with. The police want my records. I don't mind GP records going. Do I have to give permission for the counsellors report to go to the police if i'm a victim or are GP notes enough and more valuable? Thanks

YourPrivacy Editor 04/02/2016 at 10:26 am

Due to the complex nature of your question, I can only suggest you seek legal advice. We can only answer general non-specific questions and this is beyond our remit.

DJ 03/02/2016 at 12:26 pm

I was involved in a legal case against my former employer and their solicitor requested access to my medical records. I signed the consent form, only after informing my GP I wanted to go through my full records and agree what could/not be shared.

at the meeting with the senior receptionist I was shown my paper based records only and told no other records existed, so on this basis I gave consent. However I was not told about nor shown my computerised records, which were also sent to the solicitor without my knowledge or consent.

I only found out about the full medical records having been shared in court, when my former employers made reference to a piece of information that could only have come from my medical records.

Fortunately the court hearing was private and not the full trial, but the information would have been disclosed in open court at trial. The information was of a highly confidential and sensitive nature and as a result of it having been disclosed to my former employers legal team, I felt I had no alternative but to drop the case.

I raised the matter some time later with my GP on 3 separate occasions and was ignored. Eventually made a formal complaint, the outcome of which was "you signed the consent form" and a denial of having not shown me, or told me about the existence of my medical records. They also denied the existence of relevant information as referred to at court, in my medical records. I appealed their decision and requested a copy of my medical records, The response to the appeal was an admission that relevant information did exist in my medical records.

Upon examining my medical records, I realised highly confidential yet medically irrelevant data had been recorded in my records. I spoke to the information comissioners office and was adviced to write to the Drs who had recorded the data, asking how they reconciled recording the data, with the eight principles of the Data protection act. I wrote to the Drs, but none of them ever replied, so I referred the matter to the Information Comissioners Office.

I received an email yesterday stating that I have to contact my new GP surgery about this matter. I phoned the caseworker and even spoke to their manager. Both claim there is nothing they can do about this and dent that the information Comissioner can in some circumstances issue an order for the irrelevant data to be deleted.

What should I do now?

YourPrivacy Editor 02/02/2016 at 11:43 am

I think in the first instance, your best option would be to write to your GP outlining your request and reasons why you wish the information to be removed. You may also be able to request a letter from your GP to verify that the symptoms were mis-diagnosed, if this might help you continue with your application.

Mogley 01/02/2016 at 6:25 pm

I was recently prescribed a inhaler for asthma,What I was suffering from was post viral fatigue which a doctor diagnosed me with a few days later. The doctor that prescribed the inhaler made a mistake thinking it was asthma. I'm currently not aloud to carry on my application into the marines because of this prescription. If I book appointment with GP do I have the right to get it removed if she agrees with me??

Meg 19/01/2016 at 3:03 pm

I'm from a small town, and recently a nurse has started working in our hospital, someone that is a very nasty person and has caused a lot of problems for myself and my family, I'm very concerned she could access my private medical details at the hospital, what can I do to make sure she can never access my records, please help.

Nat 15/01/2016 at 11:16 pm

I have a problem and desperate for some advise, I have a court case going its not a criminal case no police is involve, the other party lawyer went to my old and previous doctor and got access to my private medical information I did not know about this on till today 15/01/2016 when I received a recorded delivery in post soon as I open and saw all my past in my face things that brings back real bad memory's and night mare to me, I got instant headache a hight tempeture my stress levels are high, it's bad enough I can't afford a lawyer to defend me in court I have to face strangers that know everything about me I am so ashamed and its embarrassing what can I do about this some one please give me some advice.

curious 01/01/2016 at 7:07 pm

Hi I am just wondering why most of the questions posted are not answered? people have taken the time to write them and you have elected to only answer easy ones with either:

Visit your GP or click on this link.

Regards

MJ 28/12/2015 at 1:34 pm

I have an extensive record of severe mental illness
How do I stop a possible employer accessing my records without my permission? I find it very disconcerting that I could give permission without even realising
Do I have a right to refuse with out being turned down for a role?
Also, I sometimes get copied letters that my psychiatrist sends to my GP, he goes into very graphic details about very intimate things and this worries me just who gets to read these letters ? I don't want a future employer reading about how I was abused as a child And I find it very worrying that these letters go out to doctors that I have not even met and makes me wonder whether I should continue to see seek help when whatever I say will go against me

ricki 23/12/2015 at 2:14 pm

I had an episode of severe depression and was admitted to hospital over 40 years ago, I have not seen anybody or received any medication for this or suffered from it since so why is it brought up every year from the nurse who does my health assessment, the nurse who done it today was my neigjhbors mother unbeknown to me and it made me very uncomfortable. it also brings back painful memories for what brought the depression on.

Kind regards

Erica

Jay 23/12/2015 at 1:17 pm

Can I stop a single nurse from viewing my files?
Such as if I had a problem with a nurse and did not want that person having access could i ?

YourPrivacy Editor 16/11/2015 at 1:58 pm

You should contact your GP service directly, information may be able to be removed if there is an error of fact, and your GP agrees to this.

Hillbilly 16/11/2015 at 1:27 am

Im trying to get into the army, but they will not speak with me because i have a really tiny blemish on my medical history that they say can be removed, how do i go about having it striked off my history?

Brassed 08/11/2015 at 12:54 pm

My sensitive mental health records have been released by the Trust that has treated me to their solicitors as I have complained. Is this correct without my consent?

YourPrivacy Editor 23/10/2015 at 10:32 am

As specified in the article, your medical records are held at your GP’s surgery, which will usually allow you to read them if you ask politely. If there is a problem then you can make an official request in writing, which your surgery or hospital is obliged to answer within 40 days.

mm80 22/10/2015 at 12:10 am

Hi I have a really annoying matter in my mind , that is I had a treatment for a some kind of a urine infection at that time my GP entered the detail like I had a treatment for that and now its cleared this thing has happened for years a go. Im now fully healthy and no any problem but this matter always make me to a mentally stress coz I think it may effect to my current relationship one day. I really want to keep this as a personal thing , so can I request from my GP to remove this information from my records or if not what should I do to take it off from my medical record. can you please help me.

YourPrivacy Editor 20/10/2015 at 12:27 pm

I suggest you contact the BMA directly in order to ascertain the reasons why and to see if there is anything that can be done to change the decision.

CarolC 19/10/2015 at 6:51 pm

Hi, Recently been involved in a car accident. I have provided written permission for a private mental health professional to access my NHS records, via my insurance company, in order to make a mental health assessment re my claim. The BMA have refused permission for this. Why? What do I need to do in order to change this? Thanks so much CarolC

gaza 19/10/2015 at 5:31 pm

Ive just found out that i supposedly had a prescription for oral steroids in 2005 which im certain was not me how do i go about this to get it taken off my record as this is effecting my future

YourPrivacy Editor 18/09/2015 at 12:44 pm

You can see more via the NHS link here which should answer your question.

Loulou 17/09/2015 at 12:22 pm

Hi,

I have lived in Dublin for 18 years can my doctor access my medical records held my the national health

YourPrivacy Editor 16/09/2015 at 12:18 pm

Most issues can be resolved without you having to make a formal complaint. So try having an informal chat with your doctor or a member of staff first. However, if you need to take it further and your GP is unhelpful, and you think that information in your health records is incorrect, you can formally request that the information be amended under the NHS complaints procedure, I hope this helps.

Cracow 15/09/2015 at 8:39 pm

When I reported the (alleged) and ongoing financial and other abuse of my parents - both ( NHS records) suffering from dementia and my father severely sight impaired/blind ( NHS & local authority records documented) to the Police, I was asked for my consent to the release of my father's Eye Hospital Records to the Police. My dad couldn't have read any documents, or sign his name.

The Police then informed me that they were closing the case - claiming that my dad would have been able to read - and quoting opthalmic records which actually confirmed his blindness. .
Medical Legal insisted that the Police hadn't approached them. Last summer - 2014, FOI identified the source of the records quoted by the Police. A registrar in training had given information to the Police - instead of directing them to Medical Legal , as he should have.
Neither the registrar nor the young police officer recognised that the numbers meant my dad was blind.
Senior officers all repeated this... Repeatedly producing the Registered Blind Person's card & NHS consultant signed certificate confirming blindness achieved nothing...

Today the PHSO has tried to suggest that the matter ' isn't in their remit' Interesting....

NHS poster campaign, re abuse of the elderly... ' It's easy to turn a blind eye... Don't let it be you.' ...
PS. To decode the number the police kept quoting, Wiki works fine. You don't need a consultant opthalmic surgeon .

' Severely sight impaired/blind Cannot do any work for which eyesight is essential

.

Liz 15/09/2015 at 1:18 pm

I have had an abortion this year in March after having a child last year in august as it was just too soon to have another and unfortunately due to stupidity and a lot of things going on in the family with my mother in law finding out she had cancer and passing away 9 weeks later I've recently found out I am pregnant again...we found out whilst MIL was in her hospice and were ecstatic probably just because receiving such news in a time with such bad news all the time it seemed a blessing but with it being a tough world financially me and my partner have decided to not go ahead with the pregnancy as we'd like to enjoy our daughter and also have more money in the bank to enjoy our time with her rather than have to worry about another child...my GP was extremely rude about it saying it was terrible to have 2 abortions in a year not due to risks or anything like I assumed just because it was his opinion and even wrote on my medical history note that I had just changed my mind about having the baby and that I had money problems....this is not what I said and have been extremely upset about his insensitivity and that such a comment will now be on my medical notes forever. Can I ask for this to be removed? And even for just the 2 terminations to be removed from my records?...as I've struggled enough with the terminations myself let alone the stress of my doctors opinions on it or anyone else's opinions who might have to read it! Is it something that's do able or is it best to just leave it?

JacquiD Editor 11/09/2015 at 12:28 pm

@Jen I imagine she will have signed a confidentiality agreement in her contract, therefore if she is breaking the rules she could face disciplinary action.

jen 10/09/2015 at 3:51 pm

I have a sister in-law that's a RN but not at my doctor's office she reads my files and lets the family know I'm suffering from depression andshes shareing all the medicine I'm taking with my in-laws isn't there a law against this if this doesn't stop I'm force to take legal actions

YourPrivacy Editor 17/08/2015 at 2:55 pm

Dod 15/08/2015 at 9:52 am

I'm a nurse and 10years ago I had a breakdown , this was before I qualified, in my medical records there is sensitive information regarding my metal health at that time. I'm due to have an operation but I'm not going through with it in case fellow colleagues read and see this info, I'm very distressed, what can I do.

YourPrivacy Editor 05/08/2015 at 10:38 am

@Jock - your medical records would be automatically transferred to your new GP from your former GP.

Jock 02/08/2015 at 12:22 pm

Can my old gp gain access to my medical records even though i am no longer at their surgery

Key 05/07/2015 at 8:32 pm

Would a doctor be able to remove a history of epilepsy if I haven't had any seizures or treatment in the past ten years

YourPrivacy Editor 24/06/2015 at 2:02 pm

@VickyVee - If someone is diagnosed with dementia and wants to continue to drive, they must, by law, inform DVLA immediately. Please see NHS link here which should further answer your question.

VickyVee 22/06/2015 at 1:48 pm

If someone is diagnosed with dementia, and asked whether they drive -is the GP at liberty to inform the DVLA? A friend has asked me to check this up for him - I thought that under Data Protection Act he could object to this - am I correct?

demi04 22/06/2015 at 3:57 am

I dont speak to my sister and im sure shes been noseying into my records which contains recent scan details showing v private stuff.shes a sister in a&e at 27yrs old which i know she didnt become honestly.i dont care about her cheating her way into a job but if i find out mum and others in family know about my condition through her i wont let it lie.she was a cocaine addict and i cant beleive shes in charge of lifes omg .

susyq 19/05/2015 at 2:10 pm

hi. can anyone help me? ive met someone online, and we have been talking for some time on skype, he lives in Pennsylvania USA, I live in England. I would like to visit him, and with the idea of emigrating eventually.
The question I have is, do the emigration authorities have access to my medical records as I am an ex-addict (heroin) although I am clean now, and also I am diagnosed as having Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety and Depression. I am currently on methadone and diazepam.

CAN ANYONE PROVIDE ME WITH SOME VALID ANSWERS, BASED ON FACT PLEASE.

YourPrivacy Editor 14/05/2015 at 12:54 pm

@tipichick - As specified in the article; your medical records are held at your GP’s surgery, which will usually allow you to read them if you ask politely. If there is a problem then you can make an official request in writing, which your surgery or hospital is obliged to answer within 40 days. And if there is a further problem with this, you can complain first to the NHS (ask for their complaint leaflet), then to the Health Ombudsman, and finally to the Information Commissioner. In addition, if you think information may be wrong, or could be mis-construed, you can ask also the record holder to insert a corrective or clarifying statement to your records. If you are not happy with the response to your request for correction, you can complain to the Data Protection Registrar. I hope this helps.

tipichick 12/05/2015 at 6:58 pm

Hi, I hope you can help. I worked for a city council for 30 years and resigned as I was becoming increasingly unwell. I did not want to take the sickness route out....however, a year later and medical specialists have concluded I am not fit for work and I have started the process to get my pension early. Occupational health have asked for my medical records.....I do not want them to have some very personal and private information from 18 years ago when I had psychiatric assessment and treatment for PTSD and historical abuse; nor for the fact that I used cannabis as a coping mechanism at this time.( my bosses were aware and supportive of me during this time, but they are all retired now...) It has no relevance at all to my current condition, which it seems is a genetic condition. What rights do I have to with hold this information from my medical report? This is causing me such distress....

sharonklb 03/05/2015 at 7:29 am

I will, after going through hell regarding finding rubbish,untruths and opinions rather than fact, littered through my records, be starting a petition soon...this needs to be addressed and changed by the law. People writing what they want, and that following you for the rest of your life is fundamentally wrong and needs changing! The DVLA...my licence was revoked on a lie... the trust have dismissed as human error...the GMC...we cant tell doctors what to write...and the trust, have all dismissed me...outrageous!

YourPrivacy Editor 16/04/2015 at 10:17 am

@Chunk - firstly, there is nothing to be ashamed of. There are many people that become reliant upon drugs (especially if the person needs pain relief), which is a fault of the drug, not the person. The doctor is merely ruling on the side of caution here, as he/she does not wish to prescribe you too much as it can be counter-productive in the long run. They are unlikley to put on your medical records that you are 'addict', they are more likely to merely suggest not to prescribe a particular tablet. If you are in pain then you need to seek help from your GP who will prescibe you a variant in order to ease your pain. I hope this helps.

Chunk 16/04/2015 at 1:59 am

When I was at my old doctors he accused me of being addicted to cocodamol and put a message on the computer for any new doctors to see and he wrote to the local walk in centre and they now hold the message on computer am not a addict and would like to no if I can get this took off as I feel embarrassed and I feel my new gp sees me as a addict I am in severe pain with a injury but feel I can't ask for help with pain relieved as I am now seen as a addict thank you

CRHC 14/04/2015 at 9:35 am

I have been receiving unsolicited phone calls, never left a message. Finally was in to answer and was speaking to Niagara Healthcare who knew my medical details (and my phone number). How did they get hold of these details? Am very angry about this breach of my private details.

Summer_sun 01/04/2015 at 11:46 pm

My mother in law works for Hywel Dda trust in admin and she was able to access my records without my consent. An audit revealed when she did it but the hospital brushed it under the carpet, this was not the first time she had abused her position within the hospital to access medical records for her own benefit. Unfortunately she is still employed by them and still has the freedom to look at anybody's records. Shame on you Hywel Dda Carmarthen.

YourPrivacy Editor 20/03/2015 at 11:17 am

@Bucko - I do not imagine parts of a persons health records can be deleted as there is important information contained in them. I have included an extra link via the ICO here which should give you more information.

Bucko 18/03/2015 at 12:58 am

Can I request certain non major parts or entries to be deleted from my record? I wasn't aware records where used for immigration purposes to America and wasn't aware job roles and life insurence scan ask to see your records

YourPrivacy Editor 10/03/2015 at 2:20 pm

@fred - I have included an NHS link herewhich should explain all you need to know. Regarding your latter question, it depends on what your employers want to know and what you consent to being seen. I hope this helps.

fred 08/03/2015 at 5:46 pm

Hi can you help me? I have been off work 12 weeks after having surgery.I am now back at work,my employees want to look at my medical history.Will they only be able to see my notes on my surgery? or will they be able to see all of my medical notes ?

Honey Editor 23/02/2015 at 1:48 pm

@Bish - they can only access your medical records if you have authorised them to do so. I can't see why your university would want access to medical records.

bish 20/02/2015 at 10:47 pm

can university ask to see students medical records

SLad1980 15/02/2015 at 5:25 pm

Very interesting article.

I have things on my medical record that I would never want disclosing, ever!

Is there anything I can do to prevent them from ever being disclosed.

How does the court order procedure work?

Thanks

YourPrivacy Editor 30/10/2014 at 2:06 pm

@Missy - There may be certain reasons why an employer may want to check the medical records of an individual who they intend to hire. In order to do so, the employer must first notify the prospective employee that they intent to apply to view their records. The employer must then obtain the potential employees written consent which should be passed to the doctor who will only then release the information. However, if you have discovered something in your medical records which you weren't aware of, or you deem to be inaccurate or misleading, you are allowed to challenge it under the provision of the Data Protection Act and ask for it to be removed. I hope this helps.

Missy 29/10/2014 at 6:57 pm

My partner did a questionnaire which is now on his medical records it is causing a great deal of stress & is unable to get a job because of this . A councillor put this on, can this be removed off his medical records?

Nigal 10/09/2014 at 11:06 am

Paul, as the boss of Dudley cqc for Dudley, why have you assisted in staff fabricting patents nhs documents to law firms and solictors? And giving the phso fabricatied information as well, but not giving other govermant dept the. False records but , for example, the dwp received a totally differNt t set to any law firm, why did your staff do this? As the fabrication is a criminal offence and now this action, or lack of action by denial has as sided the crime,makeing yourself an acessory.
So as the nhs has all the records on a data base are the fabricated documents or the correct documents going on?

lucky 07/09/2014 at 1:47 pm

a psychological assessment was carried out myself ,commssioned by the courts .nine other parties paid one ninth to the cost ,of the invoice .
in the mean time a gaurdian of my child , knowone else asked for the disclosure of my medical records , this was done and posted onto the assessor .
a summary of my medical records showing me in the worst possible light ,plus my assessment were posted out to the nine parties .without first being viewed by a judge or the courts .is this correct procedure .

justhowitgoes 22/07/2014 at 9:07 pm

I made a request for medical records after a missed dislocation. Some details are fictious, simply madeup to cover mistakes : when I was discharged and readmitted; my method of arrival at hospital; what I told supposed doc ie a fake ambulance report...I arrived by car not ambulance! Yet has all the details of ambulance in incredibly quick time. Medical establishment looks after eachother!

ch2 09/06/2014 at 5:36 pm

who do you speak to about getting these things changed, I allowed gp access to my mental health counselling, very stupid, I realise now, as I no longer have a named gp that every time a different gp has access.

JAB 03/06/2014 at 12:21 pm

My GP diagnosed me with Chronic Kidney disease in 2011, he disclosed this information to my life assurance company and they consequently refused my application. I was not aware of this diagnosis until November 2013 when I was referred to an orthopaedic consultant. Following the consultation I received a copy of the letter from the consultant recommending surgical intervention, a copy was also sent to my GP. The orthopaedic surgeon had replied to my GP with the following comment:
Thank you for referring this lady with chronic kidney disease.
At first I thought that my records had been mixed up with someone else's so I approached my GP. He said he had made that diagnosis based on 2 urine samples. I am absolutely devastated.
I am a qualified Renal nurse, I have no symptoms of kidney disease but I do not know how to ask my GP to remove this diagnosis, I am frightened of the consequences as I approach later life. Can I do any thing about it.

Nigal 16/04/2014 at 12:45 am

Nhs trust in Dudley have been forgeing my nhs hospital recrds since 2003, so they don't get sued, surely this is a criminal offence.
The forgers still work at the trust, and the Dudley group still have been fabricating my hospital records causing nige problems for me, car insurances for example, in an unrelated RTA in 2009 my car insurace made refer aces to 1997, claiming I was driving while disallowed for being epileptic ...but the nhs trusts complants procedure ( some staff aided the forgery) the has complants including the phso stated they never exsisted, and Chris kelly mp for Dudley South, alleging the phso investigated my hospital recrds, makeing me out to be a liar.but when I provided the insurance company documents refused to deal with the issue, claiming he was never was provided with the documents.
so be warned, the criminals go all the way up.

maria 27/11/2013 at 9:54 pm

An ex boyfriend is a hospital doctor and I don't want him seeing my medical records. Can I prevent him for reading my medical notes?

nigal 10/07/2013 at 5:15 pm

the nhs has been fabricating mine for ten years so i cant sue them.
the trust is dudley commissioning group, formaly the pct- the people responsible are, cmj pool, alison marsden, robert bacon, then nhs complants also as adieing and abetting arte- paul maubach and also the manager of nhs complants rose p.
as tampering of nhs medcial records is a criminal offcene...im sure they knew than when they did it.

Amby 12/06/2013 at 7:22 pm

A Doctor shared my medical information to my visitor when I was in hospital, without my written or oral consent. I was so upset. I told her superior who just gave her a warning, so I heard, but non of them came to talk to me about this. Which means according to me, not even a hearing took place. I reported to the NHS redress dept but nothing much was done. The Obdsman advised me to report this to the GMC and that a kind of hearing should have taken place. I am damaged emotionally and this will go a long way. Anybody with any advise as to what I should do? All I want is this doctor to be held accountable for she did. can anybody help. Any advise. Thanks.

blahblahblah 09/02/2013 at 2:33 pm

Can a GP access the records of someone who is not a patient at their practice? And would they leave some sort of electronic papertrail,if they did?

johnathanswift 22/08/2012 at 6:48 pm

the comments on who can see your medical recors make it seem like it is for your benefit. Nothing could be further from the truth. Your local council can access your medical records without your consent and without specified reason under RIPA. the act does nothing to protect the citizen's data, it just forces holders of information to hand it over to the state without informing you what is going on

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