How long will it take?
We are obliged to comply with our Data Protection Act 'change to subject access' obligations promptly and within 40 days following the date we receive your request. In some situations delays may accur however we will always make sure you are aware of what is happening.
If we need to ask you for clarification of the request, the 40 day period does not start until that is received.
How much will it cost to make a request?
Charges may be applied for requests to records under the Data Protection Act 1998.
The following tariff can be used for guidance. You will be advised of the actual cost along with payment methods, when your application is made:
- maximum of £10.00 for electronic records
- maximum of £50.00 for manual paper records or a mixture of paper and electronic records
Please note: these charges include postage and packing.
Can I be refused access to my health records?
You can be refused access to records, or part of them:
- if your doctor thinks you or someone else could be harmed as a result
- the information relates to, or was provided by, an identified individual apart from yourself or a health professional
- you are applying on behalf of someone who has died or is no longer capable of managing their own affairs, but who originally gave the information on the understanding that it wouldn’t be revealed later.
If it is not possible to provide the information requested, NHS Medway will write to you and let you know why.
Should you be unhappy with the outcome of a request, you should in the first instance contact the named individual at NHS Medway who responded to your request.
You can also write to:
Information Governance
Templar House
Tannery Lane,
Ashford
TN23 1PL
You are also free to contact the Information Commissioner directly in the event you remain dissatisfied with the conduct of NHS Medway in resolving your request.
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Visit the Information Commissioner’s Office website for more information.
