Access to Health (Medical) Records

The Data Protection Act 1998, implemented on 1 March 2000 allows a patient access to his or her health records. 'Health records' is defined in the Act as being any record that consists of information relating to a physical or mental health condition of an individual and has been made by or on behalf of a health professional in connection with the care of that individual. Health records also include X-rays and scans.

A maximum fee of £50 may be charged for supplying copies of the records and /or X-rays. A maximum of £10 can be charged for any request made after 24 October 2001.