Everyone has a right to access their health or personal data, this is known as a “Subject Access Request”.
Access requests are processed under the Data Protection Act 2018 or Access to the Health Records Act 1990
Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust remains committed to meeting its obligations under Freedom of Information and Data Protection Laws and Regulations
However, the NHS is facing unprecedented challenges relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic at the current time. Understandably, our resources have been diverted to support our front-line colleagues who are working tremendously hard to provide care for our patients, and to those in need of our services.
We strive to be transparent and to work with an open culture. But at this time, whilst care of our patients and the safety of our staff takes precedent, it is likely that responses to some requests for information will be delayed. We apologise for this position in advance, and will endeavour to provide you with as much information as we can, as soon as we are able.
Please also note that due to current working guidelines we are likely to be unable to respond to any correspondence received via post. We are making every effort to do so, but this may cease as working circumstances change. We would therefore recommend that if you are able, you contact us with your request via email: shft.accesstorecords@nhs.net. Any messages left on the usual landlines will be picked up and answered.
The Information Commissioners Office has recognised the current situation in the NHS.
Clinical Records
Your clinical records are an important part of your care and treatment. In most cases, the Trust will store your medical records electronically.
Electronic records mean that information about your care can be stored safely in one place, with no need to move paper records between our sites and services.
Most of our records are stored using a system called OpenRiO. Some services use different systems, such as CaMIS, eCaMIS, eDocs, eQuest, HICSS and Symphony.
Our staff may also access information that is included in the Care and Health Information Exchange (CHIE) and the NHS Summary Care Record. You will be asked for your consent to do this, and you can opt out if you choose.
