Accessing Medical Records Nhs

[Fraser46]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone has tried to get copies of NHS Psychologist records. I have been receiving treatment on the NHS for the past 10 months and I am about to change psychologists (psychologist is away on maternity leave) I have made some progress but it is really difficult to be aware of your own progress. How easy is it to get copies of medical notes (mental health)?

Suzanne

 

[Deleted member 20280]

You should be able to apply via your PCT for access to whatever records you need.

There is usually a charge for releasing records. I know this applies to standard records as I had to apply for some.of mine last year. I would have thought the same applies.for.psychiatry records as well.

Laurie

 

[Seasounds]

In U.S., it is similar, records for a fee. Length of time can vary.

To note your progress, your providers notes may or may not reflect your progress.

a few reasons:
-in their official records, they may need to document, symptoms so that your condition still warrants treatment, at the frequency you get sessions. Not in dishonesty, but the official notes may not indicate, for example, the degree that disassociative or anger episodes have changed. The records may still say, disassociative or angry episodes.

-in U.S., therapists will often keep their 'unofficial' records, or personal notes, off of the official record. It is on these notes, that smaller improvements may be noted (disassociative episodes decreasing). These 'off the record' notes are usually not even mentioned to exist, and hence, a patient isn't able to get copies of.

-this can be a good thing, in that it can contain the therapist's private notes, and more importantly, private client info-the nitty griity details, that the patient wouldn't want on permanent records.

Hope you get what you want, and that you can see your progress!

 

[cherryblossom]

A quick google search brought up these results.

Link Removed
http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/1309.aspx?categoryid=68

I would imagine the process would be the same, whether you are asking your GP, or your psychologist to see your records.

 

[Deleted member 20280]

I am seeing my GP Monday. I will ask if Phychiatry records are the same as GP records and update the thread.

 

[Fraser46]

Thank you everyone. Just think it would be interesting to see a copy of these records. Although I do wonder whether they might not show much progress as I was initially limited to 40 NHS sessions and this has been changed to as many session that are required. I also think it is difficult to remember things that are mentioned during sessions as you are anxious. I see a psychiatrist privately (Priory Hospital), so plan to try and get copies of these notes too.

 

[Deleted member 20280]

As promised, I will be seeing my GP (NHS) on Monday and I will ask the question directly of him regarding my own psychiatric records.

I expect to get a straight answer as my GP is an upfront chap and tells me it as it is, honestly.

I will update this thread on Monday with the answer I receive as promised.

:hug:s

Laurie

 

[Maggiemay]

Your psychologist should write a letter to your New psychologist. This has happened to me in the past, and I had a copy of the letter sent (which was quite accurate and detailed - very different to my discharge letter...) In fact, I make sure I have a copy of any letters written about me - I have a strong paranoia of people talking about me behind my back and want to know what's going on with my care after issues from psychiatrists in the past... X

 

[Fraser46]

So hopefully if I request the notes I will get a copy of the letter sent to my new psychologist. I know they had a meeting to discuss patient that were being transferred but it would be good to see what has actually been said in writing.

 

[Lucycat]

You will have to make it clear if you are requesting to see your records or are requesting a copy of the records.

 

[Fraser46]

I have just completed the form and I have requested a copy of my psychological records.

 

[Fraser46]

I had a gp appointment today and I asked about psychology notes. He said that I can apply for copies like any other notes, but they might not be as useful as I would like because:
- Psychologists dont record all details in medical notes.

He did however say that I would definitely get all letters (possibly more but he couldnt be certain). He said that I could be charged up to £50 for copies but I should hear within the next 40 days.