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  3. Accessing medical records for myself or my family

Accessing medical records for myself or my family

Our guides provide guidance on accessing medical records and what action you can take afterwards.

Your rights in relation to medical records

Every living person has a right under law to see their own medical records and have copies free of charge. People with responsibility for children under 16 can apply to see their records, too.

If you have written consent from someone or power of attorney, you can also request to see their records. Where someone has died, the right to see records is more restricted, with access restricted to certain people.

Our self-help guide below explains the process for you in detail. We also have tailored template letters to help with requesting medical records.

Guides and templates to help you

View all

Accessible versions

Our core guides are also available in large print versions on request. If you need a guide to be read aloud to you, you can use free accessible apps for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Need other guidance?

We’re always looking to expand our range of self-help guides. If there is advice or information you would find useful which isn’t available on our site, please let us know.

Find a solicitor

If you want legal advice about a potential claim for compensation, search for a specialist clinical negligence solicitor accredited by us.

Find an accredited solicitor near you

Other ways we can help you

Call our helpline: 0345 123 2352

Sometimes it helps to talk things through. Our UK-based helpline is staffed by trained volunteers with expertise in clinical negligence who provide confidential, compassionate, practical advice and support to help you understand your options. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 3:30pm.

More about our helpline

Use our written advice service

If you need further advice on your options, you’re not sure if a legal claim is the right path, or you want to understand how to make a compensation claim and need help, one of our advice caseworkers can help with advice and information. Our small team can’t take on every case, but will always offer you relevant guidance.

More about our written advice service