Data Protection/Access To Personal Information

Miroslav

Hi

Basically, someone I know has been treated appallingly by her Mental Health Team and it's all secretive as to why.

She has complained today to PALS, but is awaiting their response.

She would like access to her files from the Mental Health Team. Does this mean she has to write asking for them and is any cost likely to be involved?

Something is telling me she would need to write and they would have 40 days to respond?

Thanks

j.e.j.

I think that is right, Miroslav, but in this case I would also recommend her getting some expert (or official) help, as it's mental health related and they may be able to say that it's "not in the patient's interest" to see what's been written.

A friend of mine was allowed to see his notes from his time in hospital, but he wasn't allowed to take them away with him, he was only allowed access to them with a staff member present.

Miroslav

j.e.j. wrote: »

I think that is right, Miroslav, but in this case I would also recommend her getting some expert (or official) help, as it's mental health related and they may be able to say that it's "not in the patient's interest" to see what's been written.

A friend of mine was allowed to see his notes from his time in hospital, but he wasn't allowed to take them away with him, he was only allowed access to them with a staff member present.

Thanks.

I have already contacted our local PALS.

It's going to be difficult as i'm a volunteer with the mental health team (I don't have access to patient records) and this department is my base, so I risk losing this volunteer role if I upset a few people.