Don't hold your breath - this promise was made by the same person who promised in January 2013 that the NHS would be paper free by 2018 and save billions of pounds.

Just saying .... :-)

www.gov.uk/.../jeremy-hunt-challenges-nhs-to-go-paperless-by-2018--2

Might be a silly question, but how can they be confidential... could others read it ... ? Confused ... 

Sadly I could write a book on the subject but the quick answer is that similar arrangements are in place as those used by the banks to keep your financial records confidential. 

Hi Chriss,

I spoke to the team running the survey, and they've kindly come back with a response to your question about confidentiality: 

When you are given access to your records online, for example by your GP or hospital, you should be given a secure login and password that is unique to you. As well as this, the information that is inputted should also be encrypted. Any company that provides this service must comply to various Information Security Standards as well as abiding by strict data laws to be ‘approved’ for use in the NHS and UK as a whole.

You can find out more detailed information here: www.nhs.uk/.../overview.aspx

I hope this helps answer your question.

Best wishes,

Helen
Cancer Chat Moderator

Thank you for the info ... much appreciated x

I applied for a copy of my late husband's medical records from GP, I was told to come and collect (and pay fee) yesterday.  When i got there i was handed a very thin A4 envelope with a poorly written "report" listing in chronological order what had happened at GP, it was full of misspellings and abreviations and reffered to a letter from his oncologist but no copy of the letter - or anythingelse for that matter.  Can the GP Practice consider this is a "copy" of his medical records? Things were missing such as his discharge letter, and a DNACPR form had been destroyed.  The receptionist seemed to think if i had not specifically asked for something then they did not include mention of it in this "report"  But i wanted a full copy of his medical records so would that not mean everything?  after all how am i to know all the details - as that is what i am trying to find out.  Can anyone tell me if what they have given me is acceptable?  thanks

Hi Sheila,

It sounds like you have been given a summary of his care record, rather than his detailed medical record. It may be that the practice manager his misunderstood your request.

There’s a useful description of what the practice should have given you on the NHS website (copied beliw). You could always share this with them and say explain that this was what you expected and have paid for. I think the technical term for your request is a subject access request.

Best wishes

Dave

www.nhs.uk/.../1309.aspx

Hi SheilaC,

I'm so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. It must be an incredibly difficult time for you and your family, my condolences on your loss. 

As davek has said, the NHS Choices website has some good information about accessing medical records, and an explanation of the two types of records that you can ask to see. 

In addition, The Patients Association has a national helpline: 020 8423 8999. They're a charity set up to support patients, family members and carers to get answers regarding their healthcare. 

I do hope that this information is of some help.

With best wishes,

Helen
Cancer Chat moderator