UK Medical Records

[kevinf2349]

Hello,

I know that there is a 100 year block on many records (including medical) in the United Kingdom but... is it possible to get the medical records for a deceased parent? I have several reasons for wanting to research the medical background, especially of various hereditary conditions. Both parents are deceased (one over 40 years ago, the other 10 years ago).

I did manage to get a hold of my parental grandfather's records but they needed to see proof of kinship. Often times I know they will give the information to the oldest surviving nearest of kin...which is not me.

What are my chances of obtaining the records given that I live in the USA now.?

Any help is appreciated.

Best regards
Kevin 

[Guy Etchells]

First please remember the 100 year rule is not a legal requirement it is nothing more than office policy with no legal standing.
The Lord Chancellor's Instrument No. 12 of 1966 established the 100-year embargo rule, but that was repealed by The Freedom of Information Act (2000) and no longer has force of law.

Very little chance but possible, GP (doctor's) records are retained for 10 years before being destroyed and hospital records a minimum of 20 years.
The doctors records would be held by Primary Care Support England, the hospital records would be held by the relevant hospital.
Patients records are held under the Access to Health Records Act (1990)
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/23/contents

However to access the records you must be a personal representative (the executor or administrator of the deceased person's estate) or someone who has a claim resulting from the death.

Cheers
Guy

[kevinf2349]

Thank you, Guy

I have sent an email to the local health authority and I will see what they have to say. It is 40 years since my parent passed so I don't hold out much hope of the records still being extant but if I don't try I will never know.

Regards
Kevin

[ThrelfallYorky]

Might you not do rather better if a qualified Doctor asked for the information, to assist in your care?

[kevinf2349]

ThrelfallYorky

Maybe, but I am not living in the UK and I am pretty sure that the last UK doctor I was under will have retired by now. I am not sure my current doctor will take the time to write but I may get chance to ask my specialist next time I see them.

Regards
Kevin

[Guy Etchells]

Might you not do rather better if a qualified Doctor asked for the information, to assist in your care?

You might think so but in reality no. If a doctor requests the information they will only be given an answer regarding specific points, if Kevin makes the request and it is granted he will get the full medical history.
Cheers
Guy

[ThrelfallYorky]

Ah, thank you. I didn't know that, Guy - how often I learn something new from you!
TY