Subject Access Requests

Access to health records

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation, Data Protection Act 2018, you have the right to apply for access to your records and in some case, records of other people as an authorised representative. This is known as a Subject Access Request (SAR).

The Access to Health Records Act 1990 (AHRA) governs the right of access to deceased patient’s health records by specified persons.

Confidentiality

Your health record is kept confidential at all times within the GP Care Group and is only shared with staff when it is necessary for them to carry out their job. All staff are required to work to strict professional and contractual codes of confidentiality and, where possible, we will anonymise information so that individual patients cannot be identified. The only time information will be shared to outside organisations is if they are directly involved in your care, for instance, your GP, social worker, community nurses or hospital.

Requesting access to your health records

If, for any reason, you would like access to your medical records held by the GP Care Group, please make your request digitally using our new online portal Home Page – SAR Portal (ams-sar.com). Click get started online, then follow the instructions to set-up your account (or login if you have an existing account).

Requests are managed electronically and once complete, you will be able to view your health records using a download function within the portal, reducing time and the need for paper copies to be printed and sent via post.

When making your request, please ensure the correct application type is selected. This will help the Subject Access Request team process your request effectively.

Download the Requester Portal Guide and view the FAQs to help you through the process. By law you will need to supply identification as part of the request process – you can find out what you need to supply by clicking here.

Access the portal Fill in the form

When Will the Information Be Released

The organisation will deal with your request promptly, and in any event the records will be sent to you within 30 days of receipt of your accurately completed form. If we encounter any difficulties in locating your data, we will keep you informed of our progress via the online portal.

Amending Information Within Your Record

Individuals do not have a right to have professional opinions or judgements deleted from the record, unless the entry is factually incorrect e.g. the notes on your record relate to a different patient. However, if you disagree with any content within your record, you can ask to have a statement added to reflect your opinions. You are entitled to a copy of what has been added.

Requesting Diagnostic Reports (MRI, X-ray etc.)

If you would like access to a diagnostic report requested by the GP Care Group please specify this on the online form.

If you have queries and want to contact us directly, please email thgpcg.informationgovernance@nhs.net.

Please note: We no longer accept Subject Access Requests via email.

Access to health records

Confidentiality

Requesting access to your health records

Requesting access to the health records of another person (Organisations)

When Will the Information Be Released

Amending Information Within Your Record

Requesting Diagnostic Reports (MRI, X-ray etc.)