Access to health records

You are entitled to access and receive copies of the health records that Dorset HealthCare holds about you in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR). The procedure for requesting access to your health records is as follows:

Access applications are logged upon receipt of a completed Application for Personal Medical Information form. Please read the Access to Records Guidance Notes before making an application.

A request is made to the areas that hold the relevant records

Once all the required records have been gathered they will be sent to each treating clinician for authorisation to release.

The full Procedure for Accessing Records contains guidance on accessing records for children and individuals who are deceased, as well as details on occasions when access may not be provided, and information about relevant charges that may apply.

Completed applications forms should be sent to:

Subject Access Team
Dorset HealthCare
Sentinel House
Nuffield Trading Estate
4-6 Nuffield Road
Poole
Dorset BH17 0RB

Or alternatively you can email your request to dhc.sar.enquiries@nhs.net.

An appointment is then arranged for the applicant to view the original records, or the requested copy records are sent out (via Recorded Delivery unless otherwise specified). The Trust expects to provide all requested documentation within one calendar month of receipt of a valid request. If for any reason we are unable to meet this deadline, the applicant will be informed.

More information about how we store and use information on patients, including our full Privacy Notice, is available in the Confidentiality section of our website.

Advice about accessing your health records is also available on the NHS Choices guide to your health records.

Accessing other records

If you would like access to your employment, recruitment or other non-health related information, please contact the Information Governance Department with the specific details of your request.

Your Information