This page is a printable version of: http://www.onel.nhs.uk/privacy.htm
Date: 16 May 2012

About us

Privacy

If you email us, please be aware that email is not a secure way to communicate. It is possible that someone could read what you write.

We will be careful of the information we get from you, and will comply with data protection laws in the way we handle and store it.

So that we can track the way people use this website, we have systems which log and analyse information including which pages people visit and which pages people search for. This information can not be traced back to your individual computer, but could, in theory, be used to identify that a computer from your ISP and/or in your geographic region visited this website.

Certain parts of our website use cookies. These files are placed on your computer by the web site in order to make it easier for you next time you visit.

If you sign up to get regular updates from us, we may ask for personal information. If you want to change or delete this information, please let us know. However, we may not be able to send you updates if you do this.

Third party websites

The website has hyperlinks to websites owned and operated by other organisations. These third party websites have their own privacy policies, including cookies, and we can not take responsibility for the way they use your information.

We do not take responsibility for the content of other websites.

Personal information

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you have a legal right to access your health records. If you want to see your health records, you can ask at your GP surgery, and arrange a time to come in and read them. You don't have to give a reason for wanting to see your records.

You may be asked to submit your request in writing. It is a good idea to state the dates of the records that you want to see - for example, from 2000-2003 - and to send the letter by recorded delivery. You should also keep a copy of your letter for your records. You will usually receive a response to your request within 21 days, although the law states that your hospital, or surgery, has up to 40 days to respond. If you are not registered with a GP, call 020 8532 6309 to ask where the information is held.

Hospital records

As well as having a copy of your health records, your GP surgery will also have a summary of any hospital tests, or treatment, that you have had. Any hospitals where you have had treatment, or tests, will also hold records.

To see your hospital health records, you will have to contact your local hospital trust. See the 'further information' section below to find the contact details for your local trust.

Your request to see your records will be forwarded to the health records manager. The manager will decide whether your request will be approved. Your request will usually only be refused if your records manager, GP, or other health professional believes that information in the records is likely to cause you, or another person, serious harm.

Charges

If your records have been updated in the last 40 days - that is, you have seen your GP, or another health professional, in the last 40 days, you're entitled to see your records free of charge. However, if your records are held on a computer, there may be an administration charge of up to £10.

For a copy of older paper records, and results such as X-rays, you may have to pay photocopying and administration charges. These charges will be a maximum of £50 (in total). You should ask your surgery, or hospital, what they charge before you make a request.
Optician and dental records

Your optician and dentist also hold records about you. To access your optician or dental records, you may need to show proof of identity.

If you have any questions about any of this information, please contact us: