Last reviewed March 2026 — LetterSure editorial team
You have the right to access your NHS medical records. Here is everything you need to know about making a request, what you will receive, and how to write a formal letter that gets results.
Yes — under the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the right to request a copy of your personal data, including your medical records. This is called a Subject Access Request. Healthcare providers are legally required to respond within one calendar month.
You can request records from your GP, hospital, dentist, optician, or any other healthcare provider that holds information about you. The request is free of charge in most circumstances.
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Your full medical history including consultations, diagnoses, prescriptions and referrals.
Hospital records
Notes, test results, scan reports, operation records and discharge summaries.
Mental health records
Notes from psychiatrists, psychologists, community mental health teams and counsellors.
Dental records
Treatment history, X-rays and clinical notes from your dentist.
Maternity records
Antenatal, birth and postnatal records held by hospitals or midwifery teams.
Children's records
Parents or guardians can request records for children under 13. Older children may need to consent.
Your full name and date of birth
To identify you correctly — essential for medical records.
Your address and contact details
Where to send the records or contact you with any questions.
NHS number if known
Speeds up the process significantly — find it on any NHS letter or your GP's online system.
What records you want
Be specific — all records, or records from a specific date range or treatment.
Which provider you are writing to
GP surgery, specific hospital department, or named consultant.
How you want to receive them
Electronic copy, paper copy, or via your NHS App.
Proof of identity
Most providers will ask for ID — mention you are happy to provide this.
Healthcare providers must respond within one calendar month of receiving your request. If your request is complex or covers a large volume of records they can extend this by a further two months but must tell you within the first month that they are doing so.
If you have not received a response within one month, write a follow-up letter referencing your original request and the legal deadline. If they still do not respond you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office.
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Do I have the right to request my NHS medical records?
Yes. Under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the right to request your medical records via a Subject Access Request. Healthcare providers must respond within one calendar month and the request is free of charge in most circumstances.
How long does it take to receive medical records?
Healthcare providers must respond within one calendar month. If the request is complex they can extend by a further two months but must tell you within the first month. If you have not heard back within one month, write a follow-up letter referencing the legal deadline.
Is there a charge for requesting medical records?
In most cases no. Subject Access Requests must be provided free of charge under UK GDPR. A charge may only be applied if the request is manifestly unfounded or excessive.
Can I request medical records on behalf of someone else?
Yes in certain circumstances. Parents or guardians can request records for children under 13. For older children their consent may be required. You can also request records with written authorisation from the person, or as an executor if they have died.
What can I do if my medical records request is refused?
If your request is refused without a valid reason or not responded to within one month, complain to the Information Commissioner's Office. You can also raise a formal complaint with the healthcare provider and escalate to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman if the NHS is involved.
This guide is for general information only. LetterSure letters are personal correspondence drafts and do not constitute legal advice. For legal matters consult a qualified solicitor at solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk.