JenJen

So just wondering what other people did???

I'm pretty sure our drs when we emigrated last year were happy for us to take our notes or a simplified version (for a fee) with us.
However upon telling the drs we were going to move back and due to health issues we've had in the meantime asked about us having our notes or that simplified version to take he was told that our notes are the property of the NHS and we aren't entitled to take them anywhere

Have rung and left a message for my consultants secretary to find out if I can at least have those notes to take with me......

I can't remember what jabs etc i've had, or child hood illness and problems etc that could be relevant at some point in the future?

Surely they're YOUR notes regardless of where you want to live- if you move 10 miles down the road your notes go to a new dr - if you moved to Ireland or France ???
If you move drs your notes don't stay with the dr you left do they ?

Nu-Shooz

We couldn't take our notes with us either, we got told the same as you.
I asked the receptionist if she could jot down what jabs we all had etc, this she did so i had some sort of documentation.

perthhopeful

I know you can request copies of any hospital notes for a fee, not sure if this applies to GP's as well though?

JenJen

So what does the NHS do with your notes??????????????????????????????

Pollyana

They keep them. They are the propertty of the NHS, and you can't have the originals, although you are entitled to have a copy of them. They are allowed to charge a "reasonable" amount for copying them.

Alfresco

I thought we would be able to get hold of your whole medical history from the NHS and take it Oz.

Are these what the 'Notes' are?

JenJen

I guess we'll be charged a small fortune for having the bits copied that we think might be relevant then - think i'll let Mr JenJen handle this bit

GarryP

This is why I had a stand up argument with the receptionist. They are MY property and the behaviour of the NHS in the matter is beneath contempt. You did know they've put your details on to a centralised database without your consent, didn't you?

I decided they were getting no fee from me, not for something I never gave them permission to keep in the first place.

Alfresco

Did you get them in the end?

quoll

For the most part your Aus doctor wont give two hoots anyway unless there has been major intervention in which case you can ask your specialist for a summary report.

You will need the kids' vaccination certificates but your own, as an adult, would probably be irrelevant. With the kids' vacc certs, bring them with you because the school will want to see them when you enrol.

Shellyj

If you want a copy of your doctors notes you have a right to access them under the Data Protection Act, you have to make a subject access request in a specific way. If you just ask you doc or ring the hospital they'll have you believe they can charge you ££££££

Subject Access Request

how_to_access_information

The Act only allows them to charge up to £10 for the information if you apply this way. But it will mean you getting years of paperwork rather than a summary. You will also have to apply to each health trust seperately. If you request and they can provide the information in a different format ie on CD they are allowed to charge the exact costs of producing it.

hantsfamily1

Been here two and a half years and not been to the doctors yet. Not saying this is the case with everybody but anyone who has major concerns with a pre-existing medical problem should pay whatever the fee is for your notes and all of those fortunate ones who have never had a serious condition should not have to bother. Quite simple really and if the UK government wants to keep the old notes good luck to them. Another fine way to waste hard earned taxpayers money.

Clare_and_Jon

Hi, my doc said that the notes remain the property of the NHS (again, not sure why they would want them), but he just got me to ask the receptionist to print out our summary notes, which they did for all 4 of us with no charge. guess this might just be lucky?!

ozhappy981

You are legally entitled to a copy of your records (GP records and hospital records). Whoever you spoke to at the surgery might not have known that ....

You cannot be charged more than GBP10 for a copy of a computerised record and not more that GBP50 for a copy of a manual record.

Here are two links where you can read up about it - and if necessary print out and take to the surgery:

1. http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1309.asp...CategoryID=160

2. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HealthAn...re/DG_10036450

But, unless you have a complex condition, there is no point bringing the records - Aussie doctors don't care about them.

However, if you have kids, it *is* important to bring with you their immunisation records (you need those to get them into school).

newlife_downunder

I had to obtain all of my medical history (due to Cancer) for our medicals. Under the data protection if you request history from your doctor they are oblidged to carry out your request, however, they will charge you for this; likewise requesting from the hospital. I sought from my doctors surgery first, and to be honest I wished I had gone straight to the adminstration at the hospital as I had everything whereas the doctors only give you letters followups from what the hospital send them.