Access to records
Any clinical staff employed by Bath Street Medical Centre will be expected to record clinical information on patients computer records.
The Government’s requirement for GP practices to move towards electronic recording of clinical information and electronic patient records means that Bath Street are gradually working towards this and hope their staff will take this into consideration when designing or implementing any new systems, clinics or amending the ways we work.
The practice have taken steps along the way to a gradual transgression towards a “paper light” practice.
Any clinical staff working for Bath Street and in their capacity as a clinician are able to access patient medical records within the remit of their involvement within the clinical care of the patient. Again it is hoped that any clinicians carrying out clinics or consultations within the practice for patients of the practice, will assist us by adding their findings to the patient computerised clinical record. This will obviously help us work towards the Government’s demands for full clinical sharing of information and patient data to enable the evolvement of the electronic patient record.
Other than Dr Mahbub, no one will be allowed to take patient medical records away from the practice, the records being held by the practice on behalf of the Secretary of State. In extreme circumstances where they are required in connection with a complaint being dealt with outside of the practice, a request in writing will be made to the Practice Manager who will then discuss this with at the next practice meeting.
Access to Health Records Act 1990 / Data Protection Act 2018
Right of access is principally the patient himself. However, he can authorise another person on his behalf in writing. Parents will usually have a right to their child’s records but the child’s rights to confidentiality should be balanced against parental responsibility.
Deceased dependents are entitled to see the records; however, any person can have a note, signed by the patient, put in their records to state that they do not require anyone to be allowed sight of their records after death.
Doctor may not give any information detrimental to the patients health. Patients are allowed to request a copy of such details.
If you would like to access your records you will need to complete an Access to Medical Records Application Form. You will need to contact Dilara Mahbub, Practice Manager by email or phone to arrange a convenient time to come into the surgery. We will require you to sign your completed form when you attend at the arranged time to see Dilara.
You will need to bring the following documents with you:
– Proof of Identity e.g Passport/Driving License
– Proof of your address e.g. Household Utility Bill
– Correspondence to you at this address
Period to be shown records
If the record has been added to within the last 40 days – period for giving access is 21 days from the day of application. If not the period is 40 days from the date of application.
Notes
The doctor does not have to inform the patient that he has withheld any or certain information.
Patients can ask for corrections to be made to records.
Doctors must be fully convinced that they have send the patient concerned before giving any information.
You will be requested to provide adequate identification in the form of driving license, passport etc, before any information will be given.
They must be fully satisfied that the patient is who they say they are.
All requests to view medical records must be made in writing to practice manager stating reason for information required.
Speak to the practice manager for further details.
The Request To Access Health Records application form can be found below: