Can I see my own medical records?
Yes — you have a legal right to access your own medical records, and it's free in almost all cases. The right comes from UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, through a subject access request (SAR). You ask each organisation separately (GP, hospital, dentist, optician), and a SAR can be made in writing, by email or even verbally — no special form is needed. They must respond without undue delay and within one calendar month of receiving and verifying the request, and access is free in almost all cases. Increasingly, you don't even need a formal SAR: the NHS App gives most patients online access to their GP record, including newer entries. The month can be extended by up to two further months for complex requests. In short: yes — by SAR or, more easily, via the NHS App.
📋 The rules
- Right comes from UK GDPR / Data Protection Act 2018
- Make a subject access request — written, email or verbal
- Response within 1 calendar month
- Access is free in almost all cases
- The NHS App gives most patients online GP access
🔓 Exceptions
- The month can extend by up to 2 more for complex requests
- A 'manifestly unfounded or excessive' request can be refused or charged
- Deceased patients' records use the Access to Health Records Act 1990
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Accessing your records is free, with a deadline of one calendar month, extendable by up to two months (three in total) for complex or multiple requests. A reasonable admin fee can only be charged for a "manifestly unfounded or excessive" request, or for additional copies. You'll usually need to verify your identity first. Access can be withheld where disclosure would likely cause serious harm to anyone's physical or mental health, or would reveal information about a non-consenting third party. Deceased patients' records are handled under the separate Access to Health Records Act 1990, by the personal representative or someone with a claim. Beware a myth: "the GP can charge you for a copy of your records" is false since UK GDPR (May 2018) — a standard SAR is free; the old up-to-£50 fee was abolished. To get your records: use the NHS App, or make a SAR in writing to the organisation that holds them.
📎 Official sources
- NHS England — subject access requests →
- ICO — a guide to subject access requests →
- Commons Library — accessing health records →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I get a copy of my medical records?
Yes. Under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 you have a legal right to access your own health records by making a subject access request to whoever holds them — your GP, a hospital, dentist or optician. The request can be made in writing, by email or verbally, and there's no special form to fill in.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
Access is free in almost all cases, and the organisation must respond without undue delay and within one calendar month of receiving and verifying your request. For complex or multiple requests, they can extend that by up to a further two months, but must tell you. A fee can only apply to excessive or repeat requests.
Can I see my GP record online?
Yes, most patients can now view their GP record through the NHS App, often including newer entries added going forward. This usually removes the need for a formal subject access request for routine access. You can see things like test results, medications and consultation notes, depending on what your practice has enabled.
Can access ever be refused?
Access can be withheld in limited situations — for example where releasing the information would be likely to cause serious harm to your or someone else's physical or mental health, or where it would reveal information about another person who hasn't consented. A manifestly unfounded or excessive request can also be refused or charged a reasonable fee.
How do I access a deceased relative's records?
Records of someone who has died aren't covered by UK GDPR but by the Access to Health Records Act 1990. Access is generally limited to the deceased's personal representative, such as the executor of their will, or someone who may have a claim arising from the death. Different rules and request routes apply in that case.
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