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 a detailed letter by email or post, or by calling the Data Protection Officer.
- Email: mymedicalrecords@nohc.ie
- Post: Health Care Records Office, National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh, Cappagh Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, D11 EV29
- Phone: +353 (01) 814 0432 / 0353
Access Request Form
Please complete the attached form here, providing as much detail as possible 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 driver’s license or passport)
Proof of identity is required to verify the requester’s identity 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 locate your files and verify your identity before releasing any information.
How Long Does the Process Take?
We will acknowledge your request for information within 24 hours of receipt (Mon-Fri) and provide a response time for the information.
We strive to provide information within one calendar month of the request whenever possible, although this may vary. The timelines depend on the number of requests being processed at that time and the accuracy and completeness of the information supplied by the requester.
You may authorise someone, such as your GP, legal representative, or family member, to access your records. We only disclose records with your consent. Requests require a signed letter from you authorising the sharing of records with a third party. We may contact you to verify this request.
Requesting the medical records of a deceased relative
A deceased patient’s personal representative, legal representative, or family member may request a copy of the deceased relative’s personal medical records 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 Hospital’s Freedom of Information Officer. Your request should include sufficient information to enable the file to be located, and you must include an official form of identification (a copy of your passport or driving licence). 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 expect to provide a decision on your application within four weeks of 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 to repetitive or excessive requests and to requests for additional copies of the same information.