Requesting your health records

Patients/clients and authorised representatives have a legal right to apply for access to the information held about them by a health facility. The Health Records and Information Privacy Act guides what information we can provide you and what you need to do get access to this information.

What you need to do?

You will need to send us a completed application form. If you cannot download and print this form, you can collect one from our Health Information Unit during business hours. You can find us on Level 0 of the Dickinson Building. You can also ask us to post you one by calling us.

Please include in your application:

• Specific information about the dates and time you were in Hospital
• Two forms of identification (you can either provide in person or a photocopy by post)
• Consent and proof of relationship/authority if required
• Payment of the fee (either by cheque or money order or pay in person).

We aim to process your completed application within 28 days. If you request is urgent, please contact our Health Information Unit.

Once your request has been granted we can provide your information either in hard copy paper form or you can come and view your health record at our Hospital under the supervision of a health care professional or health information manager. You must make a booking to view your record by contacting our Health Information Unit. 

Please note that access to your personal health information may be declined in special circumstances, such as where giving access would cause you or another person risk of harm or where mandated under law.

What if the information on my health record is incorrect?

If you think the health information held by our Hospital is incorrect, you can request to have it corrected. You will need to outline your request clearly in writing to the Medico-Legal Section of our Health Information Unit and attach any evidence supporting your claim as well as provide appropriate identification. The request will be reviewed and you will be informed of the outcome, which may include correction of the error or an addition of a notation to your health record.

Privacy

For more information on South Eastern Sydney Local Health District’s privacy obligations please visit the Privacy website.

Enquiries

For further information contact the Health Information Unit’s Medico-Legal section:

Our business hours are: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm (closed public holidays).