A patient or a properly authorised person may request copies of medical records. It is useful to submit a written request after considering the type of records, the requester’s authority, applicable professional rules and the hospital’s procedure.
Understand the Law and Procedure
A discharge summary, investigation reports, prescriptions and treatment records are separate documents. The applicable medical ethics framework provides for records to be made available within a prescribed period when requested; the relevant rule refers to seventy-two hours. Do not automatically apply this to every other administrative certificate or a newly prepared expert opinion. The hospital may verify identity and authorisation, as medical information is confidential. Being a family member alone does not automatically provide access to all records in every situation. Original hospital records and certified copies of those records may also be treated differently.
In Detail: What Factors May Affect the Outcome?
Specify the patient ID, admission dates and particular records requested. Instead of making an oral request at reception, submit an application to the medical records department and obtain an acknowledgement. Clearly distinguish a bill dispute from a request for records. The purpose of a complaint may be to obtain a second opinion or a legal review; it is not necessary to first prove negligence in order to obtain records from the hospital.
What Should You Do?
- Submit a written request listing the records and provide identification and any necessary authorisation.
- Keep the submission date and the hospital’s response.
- In the event of an unreasonable refusal or delay, consider the hospital grievance process, the relevant professional authority or another remedy.
Which Documents Should You Keep?
Keep the patient ID, admission and discharge dates, authorisation, request receipt and the hospital’s replies.
Hypothetical Example
A patient needed scan reports and operation notes to obtain another doctor’s opinion. Rather than asking only for the “entire file,” the patient specified the admission period and listed the documents. This made the request and the outstanding records clear.
Can a Relative Obtain the Entire Medical File Without Permission?
Not in every case. Access will depend on patient consent, authorisation and applicable exceptions.
Sources and Related Rules
- NMC Code of Medical Ethics Regulations 2002
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019 — complaints, unfair trade practices and remedies
Editorial review: 26 October 2026. This is general legal information. The outcome may vary depending on the facts of the case, applicable state law and subsequent amendments.