Request for maternity records

kimmi_b

I've recently emailed the Medical Records Controller at my local hospital requesting copies of my maternity notes from the births of my two children.

I received this response yesterday:-

"Your request has been forwarded to our Legal Services department who will able to assist you. However, please note that these are released in line with the Data Protection Act and not the Freedom of Information Act."

Not quite sure how this impacts on my request and wondered if anyone can explain what they mean by being released in line with the Data Protection Act.

LJM

is it not just a process they have to follow to cover you and them i would imagine

Jo_R_2

Basically I think it means they are entitled to edit information that they feel it would not be in your best interests to see?

I'm not totally sure but I do remember when I applied to do the same (through the PALS service), I had to pay a fee and there were a couple of pages that had been blanked out.

nonnatus

yeah, I got mine a couple of years ago and had to pay per sheet of the notes. I have become a midwife now and wanted to see how my recollection of the care I recieved (which was brilliant) matched up with what the Pro's were up to!

I was also asked why I was requesting them, probably because in any other department, looking at your notes means you're planning to make a complaint. :rolleyes:

Was well worth the effort - interesting stuff :j

RadoJo

It sounds to me as though you just asked for the information under the wrong act - e.g you stated you wanted the information provided under the Freedom of Information Act whereas actually your entitlement to view the information comes under the Data Protection Act. I would guess that they are ensuring the information they give you is correct and conforms to your entitlement, but they wanted to clarify which Act they are following to avoid future confusion.

aligerdie

I'd be really interested in finding out how to get these records - I wasn't aware you were able to get copies.

Getting a copy of some of my notes will I think help me to understand what happened to me giving birth a few years ago - I can't remember alot of it because I was suffering with Hellp syndrome, and it may help me to put to rest some of the 'issues' I have regarding this.

The care i received was fantastic, I'd love to know what really happened (and why), who do I write to, and what's the best way to request them?

Sorry for all the questions! x

kimmi_b

Hi Ali

I accessed the website of the hospital where I gave birth and navigated to the Freedom of Information section where there was an email address for the Medical Records Controller.

I'm not interested in making a complaint! I have suffered from 2 medical problems since the birth so I want the records to get my head round what happened. I also want to write down my birth stories in case my children want to hear about how they entered this world when they are older

aligerdie

kimmi_b wrote: »

Hi Ali

I accessed the website of the hospital where I gave birth and navigated to the Freedom of Information section where there was an email address for the Medical Records Controller.

I'm not interested in making a complaint! I have suffered from 2 medical problems since the birth so I want the records to get my head round what happened. I also want to write down my birth stories in case my children want to hear about how they entered this world when they are older

That's great, I'll take a look and try and see if I can get them. I think it would seriously fill some gaps in my memories!

thanks again, I really appreciate it. x

Greener_Grass

Thank you, I have just done the same. I would also like to see what happened during labour as I can't remember most of it, Too busy focusing on the pain!

SuzyWuzy_2

Data protection act is where they will only release information to you about you according to the information that is needed , the file will be edited accordingly so you can only see what you need to see. If there is any information there that needs to be edited it will be.

Freedom of information act is information that anyone can request (obviously not about anyone else as this is where the data protection comes into it) Newspapers normally request it so they can say Gordon Brown spent such an such on paint last year. blah blah. Theres normally an admin fee for this as it requires the information to be obtained for years back etc and it also deters people putting silly requests in.

Your not asking for the info under any act, merely requesting the information, leave it with them and they will sort it.

Please be really sure that you really want to see the information though as sometimes it can bring up memories. I now you want to find out but be sure first
x

kimmi_b

Thanks SuzyWuzy. I can't understand why they would need to edit the file though - surely all information in there relates to my labour(s) and therefore is relevant.

Oh well, wait and see what I get back I suppose!