How to Access Your Personal Medical Records?
You can request a copy of your personal medical records by submitting a completed Access Request Form or detailed letter by email or post, or by calling the Data Protection Officer.
- Email: dpo@nohc.ie
- Post: Data Protection Officer, National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh, Cappagh Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, D11 EV29
- Phone: +353 (01) 814 0447
Access Request Form
Please complete the attached form here providing as much detail as you can to help us locate your personal medical records. You can submit this form by email or by post.
Request Letter
Alternatively, you can submit a request letter, with the following information :
- Full name (first name, family name, and maiden name if applicable)
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Previous address if applicable
- Telephone number
- Information that is relevant to the medical records you wish to access: date of attendance, procedure, consultant, etc.
- Photographic Identification (copy of drivers license or passport)
Proof of identity is required to verify the identity of the requestor and validate their right to access files.
Phone Requests
You can call the Data Protection Officer to request your personal medical records. We will ask you a series of questions to help us locate your files and request proof of identification before releasing information.
How Long Does the Process Take?
We will acknowledge your request for information within 24 hours of receipt (Mon-Fri) and indicate a response time for the provision of information.
In so far as is possible, we endeavour to provide information within one month of the request, although this can vary. Timelines are determined by the volume of requests being processed at the time of the request, and the accuracy and completeness of the information provided by the requestor.
You can grant access permissions to a third party, e.g. GP, consultant or solicitor, by providing written instructions detailing the third party name, address and contact information. In addition, you must provide the Data Protection Officer with items listed in the section “Obtaining Your Medical Records”, to assist file sourcing and validate your eligibility to access information and grant access permissions.
Requesting the medical records of a deceased relative
A deceased patients personal representative, legal representatives or family member can request a copy of the personal medical records of a deceased relative under the Freedom of Information Act. If you would like to request a medical file of a deceased relative, please post or email your request to the Freedom of Information Officer at the Hospital. Your request should contain sufficient information to enable file location and you must include an official form of identification (a copy of your passport or driving license). Additionally, you must confirm your relationship to the deceased.
Postal Address for Requests
Freedom of Information Officer
National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh
Finglas
Dublin 11
D11 EV 29
Email Address for Requests
foi@nohc.ie
How long will the process take?
Timelines vary, however, we hope to return to you with a decision on your application within four weeks from submission. If access is granted, it can take a further two to three weeks to locate, copy and supply medical records.
It is free to obtain a copy of your medical records, however, a reasonable fee may apply for repetitive and excessive requests and in instances where additional copies of the same information are requested.