Requesting Personal Information
In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, there is a formal process to gain access to personal health or employment records.
The request must:
- be in writing, either a signed application form or a letter
- Clearly state the name, date of birth and contact details of the applicant
- clearly state what information is required.
- If a third party is requesting the information, then the application must include a signed authorisation from the person whom the information is about.
It can take up to 40 days to obtain personal information, as stated in the Data Protection Act 1998. This enables the team to locate the specific information requested.
Cost
In accordance with the Data Protection act 1998 there is a £10.00 fee applicable to access health records, unless the records have been updated within the last 40 days. It may be possible to view the record with a health professional if required. Copies of the health record are available at a cost of 35p per page, subject to a maximum fee of £50.00, in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
Cheques should be made payable to: Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and crossed ‘A/C Payee Only’
Accessing personal records of deceased individuals
Applications to obtain the health records of deceased patients are dealt with in accordance with the Access to Health Records Act 1990. Please note that there is no automatic right for individuals to access the health records of the deceased, however, in most cases a voluntary disclosure will be agreed. In accordance with this Act there is no maximum charge for copies.
Where can I obtain an application form?
Accessing Health Records application forms are available at the Medical Records Reception desk in Arrowe Park Hospital on the ground floor. To download an application form please select the link below.
Please note: - Wirral University Teaching Hospital is unable to provide copies of images that are readable on Apple products.
Access to Information Leaflet
Access to Information Request Form
Please send all request forms to:
Information Governance Manager
Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Arrowe Park Site (D Block)
Arrowe Park Road
Upton, Wirral
CH49 5PE
Other contact details:
Access to Information Office: 0151 604 7120 / internal ext.: 2426
E-mail address: wih-tr.accesstoinformationoffice@nhs.net
Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Arrowe Park Hospital, Arrowe Park Road, Upton, Wirral, Merseyside CH49 5PE
Switchboard: (0151) 678 5111