100 years - closed documents???

[*sara*]

i just  if anyone knew what documents can be accessed within 100 years?

i have read loads on here of people being able to access things within that time and wondered what documents were available.

i have found an ancestor in an asylum register in TNA in 1924.  She was my gggrandmother (so obviously deceased).  born about 1875.  I wanted to look at any files for her but have been told this is not possible due to the '100 year rule'.   
I do understand this but am feeling a little disappointed due to travelling 300 miles to TNA to find the dates of admission and aslyum she was in.

Does anyone have any suggestions how i can find further info other than the dates?  I would love to know why she was there, it is a fundamental question in my research...............

sara

[pharmakon]

If that's what you were told, you were misled.

You cannot browse a closed file but you do have a right to see your ancestor's records. The archivist (but not necessarily the junior clerk) at the CRO should be able to explain.

You will need to get clearance from the appropriate Health Authority (because they still own the records).

[*sara*]

i did think that was the case, is there any document that states this?

do i need to contact CRO ( i am assuming this is record office) to find out if i am allowed to see the records and how do i get clearance from the health authority?  do i just email them to find out?

thanks, sara

[pharmakon]

It's all in the Freedom of Information Act and various associated guidance notes. Not exactly bedtime reading and not easy to track down all the procedural advice. Possibly there's something readable on the National Archives site (services for professionals).

However, I believe the steps are these:

1. Confirm that your ancestor is dead (eg death certificate).

2. Confirm that the documents you want access to (clinical & patient records) do still exist.

3. Confirm which the relevant health authority is.

The Hospital Records Database may be useful for 2 and 3 above.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/hospitalrecords/default.asp

4. Approach the record office, tell them what you want and agree how to pursue it. At this stage you'll want to keep on good terms with them but not allow them to fob you off. They should be able to confirm that they hold the records and advise you about exactly which NHS department to approach.

5. Get the OK from the NHS.

6. Kick the record office into action.

[*sara*]

thanks so much for that,  it gives me something to work on.

i just had an email saying, "sorry can't help you, its within 100years"!

I will try again and have a read through some stuff

regards
sara

[pharmakon]

It's as well to make sure that you're speaking to the County Archivist or at least someone relatively important.

[behindthefrogs]

You will probably also have to prove a close relationship to the person but this should not be problem as you are directly descended from her and presumably already have the necessary evidence.

David