Accessing Your Child's Medical Records: Your Rights

Originally written by Liz Baron, updated by the editorial team on 31st March 2026

As a loving parent, there may be times when you wish to see your child's medical records. There are two different scenarios as to when this might occur:

If you are separated from the mother/father of your child and are not aware of their full medical information but would like to be; or
You believe that your child has been seen by a doctor without you being present and you are worried for their health and well being.

In both of these scenarios, you will want to know whether you are entitled, as a parent, to know this information.

Do Parents Have the Right to See Their Children's Medical Records?

If your child is under the age of sixteen then you may be able to see your child's medical records. Firstly, you must have Parental Responsibility for your child. If so, you can apply to a health professional for information and they must provide it. If you wish to see a GP or other medical practitioner, they are obligated to see you and to discuss matters relating to your child's health. If you contact the medical practice and are having difficulty with access, then it is best to put your request in writing.

Do You Have Parental Responsibility?

If you are the birth mother of your child, then you naturally have Parental Responsibility. If you are a father, however, you may not have Parental Responsibility. You may have it if you were married to the mother of the child at the time of the birth or through one of the following:

The mother has agreed that you have Parental Responsibility;
You have been granted a Parental Responsibility Order by the Courts; or
You jointly registered the birth of your child with the mother (after 01 December 2003).

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Can You Be Refused Information?

The answer is yes. If it is considered in their best interests to share information with you and if the child is considered too young to understand your application, then the health professional will usually share information. They can only pass information on to you if they have your child's consent.

If, therefore, you child is a teenager and they have asked the doctor something that they wish to be treated in confidence, then you will not be informed upon request. There are teenagers who wish to talk to their doctors about matters concerning them such as birth control, without their parents knowing.

They may also refuse information if they believe that their patient will suffer serious harm to their physical or mental well being or to any other individual. Other scenarios may include where your child's information contains further information about another individual and upon revealing your child's information, the other individual's right to confidentiality could be trespassed.

How Should You Approach a Health Professional for Information?

If you try to contact you GP or any other health professional and are unsuccessful, then the best way to make a formal request is to put it in writing. If you include a copy of your Parental Responsibility Order or marriage certificate, or your child's birth certificate with your name on it (after 01 December 2003 if you are named as the father), then this might speed up the process. If you do not include this, then you may be asked to provide it at a later date.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

What Can You Do If Your Request Is Refused?

As detailed above, there may actually be a really good reason as to why your request for information has been refused, though perhaps, as a concerned parent or guardian, you may not agree. If you are really concerned, you should ask the professional how you can make a complaint.

The first person to complain to is the General Practice Manager. If this does not work, then you may wish to apply to the Information Commissioner or to the Integrated Care Board, if you wish to access records, which have been refused.

What About If You Do Not Know Who Your Child's Doctor Is?

If you are unable to find out who your child's doctor is, for example, their other parent has not told you, then you can contact the Integrated Care Board (the board covering the area in which your child resides) to ask for the details.

You must make a request in writing, again making sure that you include proof of your Parental Responsibility.

In summary, it is understandable that as a worried parent, you want to know all about your child's life. For younger children, it is important for you to be highly involved in their health. It is important, however, to remember that a health professional has an overall duty to do what is in the best interests of their patient and sometimes that means keeping their information confidential.

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89 questions

Ask Law and Parents a Question

LawAndParents Editor 19/05/2026 at 9:19 am

@Subaru Once a child reaches 13, GPs in the UK generally assess Gillick competence and treat the young person as the main record holder, but if your son has given full written consent there's no legal reason the surgery should restrict you to just appointments, prescriptions and the (blank) summary. That sounds like a local policy choice rather than the law. Ask the practice manager in writing exactly which policy they're relying on, and request your son's consent form be amended to specify "full access including consultations, letters and test results". If they still refuse, escalate to the ICO or your ICB.

Subaru 23/10/2023 at 9:47 am

My son is 13, the doctors stopped me even ringing on his behalf for information. We were then asked to complete and sign a form where he gave consent for me to access his medical records. My son wants me to have access and I make and attend all appointments with him. The surgery has said because of his age I can only have access to appointments and prescriptions and summary record which is blank. We both thought we were accessing all as he is going thru tests etc and would be good to see these cos we forget info sometimes after an appointment. Is this right can they withhold after consent given, without him withdrawing consent which he knows he has a right to do and I will tell him to do if we get to a stage he wants his privacy over his records.

Lerb 08/12/2022 at 12:35 am

My daughter (2) has badly decayed teeth due to her paternal grandmother. My estranged husband kicked me out of the family home while i was 9 months pregnant with my 2nd. My eldest's dentist referred her to the hospital to remove a few teeth. Do i have to inform my husband of this and all other info such as where it will take place, and what date it will be on? Or can i just inform him of the operation and thats it?
Thank you

Kloppite69 21/11/2022 at 8:12 pm

I’ve been divorced from children’s mother for about 8 years. I’m named on birth certificates and have parental responsibility and they reside with mother.
My concerns are; in many decisions regarding children, including medical situations, whilst I get informed of situations and outcomes, it’s usually well after event, or after a decision has been made and there’s been little discussion.
I discovered this year that the eldest had been self harming. When I became aware, I discovered that not only had this been going on for a number of months, the mother had been deliberately keeping this information from me including persuading my eldest that it was best I didn’t know. I messaged the mother to discuss situation and asked when situation started, who was aware and what treatment or support had been taking place.
All I got in response was that school was aware but not GP and no dates regarding how long it has been happening or why the GP had not been notified. When I push I get accused of not trusting her along with, “this isn’t helping our child”.
Now my youngest is undergoing assessment for ADHD. Something I suggested 2 years ago and was told that I wasn’t a medical professional and should stop making sensational assumptions. The initial assessment indicates he has a level of ADHD but the mother won’t give me any official reports or inform me of appointments. She’s controlling the situation and not consulting prior to any decisions around strategies, support or available treatment. When she informs me of updates, if I ask questions or challenge anything she shuts me down as being awkward, not acting in best interests of children etc.
In this instance i feel that the strategy she is following, whilst not malicious, might not be in best interests of child. How do I get included in debate with the healthcare professionals independently?

Mammabear 11/07/2022 at 9:21 pm

I tried to get medical notes i have pr and they took ages sw obviously found out asked y I'm asking for them I sed cos I want to c them she sed no ur not allowed they the kids r not under my care in the end the docs sent out medical notes from when they was wiv me not since they bin took

VS 20/05/2021 at 5:05 pm

Hello,

My daughter is 16 years old and shy. She likes to leave all the job with her medical issues on me. I asked gp about the medical report. But they told me that I need a consent to discuss my daughter health. Don't I have a parental responsibility until 18? In hospital told me that I don't need any consent from my daughter as she is still under age. What is the right procedure?
Thank you.

Rebekah Taylor 15/05/2021 at 11:00 am

How do I get copies of my son’s medical records from the hospital? After a nightmare between two different hospitals regarding an eye operation that was stopped at the very last min (just before he was taken into theatre that day) both hospitals are blaming each other for it and I want to get to the bottom of it and to see what is written in his medical notes from both hospitals.I did request this from one hospital but I was told they may not be able to do it and that it was basically down to the dr/consultants discretion to provide this information

Bex 27/01/2021 at 6:12 pm

6 years after the end of our relationship, my ex is now wanting our 3 children's medical records. This is because he is accusing me of lying about additional needs that our son actually has a diagnosis for. Can I actually ask the surgery to refuse to give these?

M 12/09/2020 at 3:52 pm

My partner is trying to allocate his daughter's whereabouts as his ex wife has taken the daughter moved house and changed her number his daughter is 6 can he ask for his daughter's medical notes to ser if the wife has updated her address with the g.p?

Cassie 10/04/2020 at 4:13 am

I am concerned my daughter when she was fifteen was moved to a different doctor by my ex husband when she was fifteen without my consent or knowledge . She lives with her father but he has not been given the resident parents order

Abbey 28/02/2020 at 1:14 pm

I have asked my ex for my 2 year son's medical record as I haven't seen it since we separated over a year ago. She has clearly stated she has the right not to share it with me as she doesn't want to.

I have also asked for his GP address and she refused citing the above.

I believe neither parent has exclusive right on the child and I have as much right to his medical record as she does.

I will want to be present at my son's medical appointment and want to have detailed knowledge of his medical history till date, considering be has been to the hospital quite often recently.

How do I approach this please?

Proud father 27/11/2019 at 6:32 pm

What is the problem with co-parenting? Stop being so insecure and causing the other parent extra stresses by having us read up on queries like this. It is very lame and the children turn out bigger idiots than the idiot parent. Real talk.

C2B83 24/09/2019 at 10:41 am

Hi There, I have just found out that my ex partner new girlfriend has been taking my daughters to the dentist and signing consent forms indicating she is has PR on my children which she does not.
My daughters live with me and see their father every other week end. Is there any action I can take against them both for allowing this to happen?

spadge 19/04/2019 at 1:05 am

i have just tried to get my kids medical records and have been told i cant have them as the mother of them has said she does not want me to have them.i have PR so how can they say no just cause my ex does not want me to see them?

Danny 11/04/2019 at 9:54 am

My ex and I are currently going through a custody battle with our 3 year old, he is not on our son's birth certificate and has no parental rights, however my ex has approached our GP and requested to see our son's medical records, he claims he has a court order and letter from solicitors, is this possible as I have not received any copy of the court order and I thought he would have to first apply to be on our son's birth certificate before he can begin any legal proceedings.

sws 07/03/2019 at 10:50 pm

My son is 16 can I ask to see details of appointments with counsellors he had when he was 15 without his permission?

Ros 24/02/2019 at 5:20 pm

Hello good afternoon, my daughter is 20 Years old now,a few weeks ago she requested her medical records from the GP, now she has received it and in her medical record they have included my Medical diagnosis, i haven't told my daughter about my Medical Condition, was my GP surgery right to do that, at the moment my family is also falling apart because of that, i wanted to tell my children when i think the time is right, but right now am going through somuch stress my daughter don't speak to me and worried about her younger sister and all of us, at the moment i don't sleep at night all because of this the stress is somuch, please can i get some advise

Piers 17/09/2018 at 1:43 pm

Hi I have recently obtained my daughers medical records from her surgery for support in an ongoing court case, some entries have redacted information which is understandable but the one entry we were really interested in, the whole thing is redacted. No information is visible apart from the appointment date and Dr? Is this right? I can understand redacting sensitive information but the diagnosis is surely the most important and classed as non sensitive as I can see all others?

Helpme223 18/06/2018 at 9:25 pm

My partners daughter hasn't been to school for nearly a year, she has been assessed for ASD but neither the school or SEN department will tell him what the outcome is, the reason given is that she, his daughter and his ex say he shouldn't be given the information, can this be withheld legally ?

LawAndParents Editor 24/04/2018 at 12:30 pm

If you have not yet received a response follow up with a reminder note. If that elicits no further response, make a complaint to the relevant Clinical Commissioning Group.

dbflex 23/04/2018 at 9:25 am

I sent a letter to my son's surgery over two weeks ago (signed for so I know it was delivered) but have received no response. Should I wait longer and what would the next step be?

Pj 22/04/2018 at 4:08 pm

My partners daughter is 17 .her mother has deliberately refused my partner access to the child. The other 2 children live with my partner. The child has mental health issues being diagnosed with Bi Polar. And has just been sectioned. Both the other children have mental health issues which the mother couldn't handle so the children live with their father. The father is concerned and wants to find out where and how his daughter is but the mother is refusing. What legal steps can he take

LawAndParents Editor 21/03/2018 at 3:07 pm

No they should not ask for the mother's consent unless there is a record of DV, abuse etc

dbflex 20/03/2018 at 10:39 am

Following up, the local primary care authority approached my son's mother for permission to have access to his medical records. This is despite my proving parental responsibility. Are they allowed to do this?

dbflex 16/03/2018 at 9:52 am

I have asked the primary care authority who my son's GP is as he and his mother hardly speak. That was three weeks ago - they said my request has been passed to the appropriate department but they will not provide a direct contact. What can I do?

Mexmatt 14/03/2018 at 12:09 pm

Having difficulty with obtaining my daughter's medical records through her doctors. I have written letters but my requests have been denied on the bases that I need a court order to obtain them
2nd letter I sent with relevant info from .gov website I had no response. I'm getting concerned for my daughter's health and well being where can I go now

LawAndParents Editor 12/02/2018 at 10:12 am

Here's what the BMA says:
"Patients with mental disorders or learning disabilities should not automatically be regarded
as lacking the capacity to give or withhold consent to disclosure of confidential information.
Unless unconscious, most people suffering from a mental impairment can make valid
decisions about some matters that affect them. An individual’s mental capacity must be
judged in relation to the particular decision being made. If therefore a patient has the
requisite capacity, requests for access by relatives or third parties require patient consent.
When patients lack mental capacity, health professionals are likely to need to share
information with any individual authorised to make proxy decisions. Both the Mental
Capacity Act in England and Wales and the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act contain
powers to nominate individuals to make health and welfare decisions on behalf of
incapacitated adults. The Court of Protection in England and Wales, and the Sheriff’s Court
in Scotland, can also appoint deputies to do so. This may entail giving access to relevant
parts of the incapacitated person’s medical record, unless health professionals can
demonstrate that it would not be in the patient’s best interests. These individuals can also
be asked to consent to requests for access to records from third parties. Where there are
no nominated individuals, requests for access to information relating to incapacitated
adults should be granted if it is in the best interests of the patient. In all cases, only relevant
information should be provided."

Jules 09/02/2018 at 12:03 pm

Hi
Although it states that your child has to give permission for you to access their records, does this still apply if they are in a mental institution?

LawAndParents Editor 18/12/2017 at 2:50 pm

Your son can ask for access to his medical records - he could let you know if there was anything pertinent in them that might affect his life insurance.

kelly 15/12/2017 at 10:19 pm

In my son's younger years he was diagnosed with ADHA, and other Mental, and Nervous disorders, and was placed on numerous medications. He had changed Doctors numerous times throughout his younger years, (Due to the Doctor leaving the practice, or our family moving out of state.) and each had either removed him from one medication, or added to them. At the age of 16 he decided he no longer wanted to take these medications due to the fact that they were causing other problems. The Doctor he was seeing at that time had no objections to his request. He is now currently 22 years of age, and has not suffered from any symptoms, or side effects of the disorders the Doctors diagnosed him of having, or from the medications he once took for them. Over the past 8 years either my recently deceased mother-in-law, or myself has tried to obtain life insurance on him as we have done with my other children, and have been denied coverage for him the fourth time now due to something in his medical records from a previous Doctor he had seen when he was 13 years old. My question is even though he is now 22 years of age can I be granted access to his medical records with his consent to see what is in his medical records that keeps getting him denied for life insurance being that I was responsible for him during that time frame?

Johnny 28/11/2017 at 5:21 am

Where to start! I split from my ex wife when the two boys were 5 and 3. They are now 16 and 14. It has always been a constant battle to maintain healthy contact with them due you obstacles being placed in the way. Four years ago I had to engage a solicitor as it would have been the 5th Christmas in a row that I was promised time with the boys only to have it removed. However, this all pales into insignificance. In July 2016 I took both my sons to Italy for my wedding. Five months later, as I'm negotiating Christmas with the boys I have a huge bombshell dropped on me. I am told that my son was diagnosed as being bipolar back in June (before the trip abroad). Further, I am informed that he was prescribed very strong medication (two different types in an attempt to see which was best) and that he had been removed from school and placed in a special NHS school because of his mental health. I was only informed of all this, 7 months after diagnosis because it was the excuse used to not let him come away for Christmas. He was sent abroad for the wedding, and was given a story by his mother that he couldn't take his medication due to issues with customs! My own thoughts are that this would have caused me to ask questions if I saw the medication, as she had good reason to not inform me. Previously, I have had to quash her self diagnosis (more of this "self diagnosis" later) when she tried to have him diagnosed with Dyspraxia and ADHD earlier in his life. Both were subsequently dismissed. On being told of his bipolar in December last year I contacted and spoke with his psychiatrist who told me how this was such a "clear cut diagnosis" and how rare this is in his 30 year career in the profession as it's not normally fully apparent at 15. A little more delving with the physiatrist and I discovered that he had never actually seen an episode of mania (and neither had any other health professional) and that the evidence had been solely provided by his mother. I had been asking the doctor for more information on my son but was having it turned down, including a second opinion by another doctor. On informing the doctor of her previous attempts to have him diagnosed AND mentioning that my sons Auntie (the mothers own sister) is a mental health social worker and with regular contact had never seen any signs of mania etc, he was given a second opinion and removed from the strong medication he was prescribed. Despite my son now not spending his life in his bedroom in a confused state, and engaging in life again, I am considered a meddler and his mother has managed to totally end any contact with me and him.. I live 200 miles away so they always know when I'm arriving and they always make sure he is not available to be seen. He won't have a phone (I suspect he might but I'm not privy to it) so they have fully tied up all avenues of direct contact. His younger brother seems to have seen through her. He told me that she has approached him on two occasions and s

Gav 22/11/2017 at 8:53 pm

Hi,

I am trying to get some information, I am estranged from my sons mother (my son being 7 yrs old) The house in which he lives is in an appalling state, there is dog and cat feces everywhere including on his bed. His mother doesnt bathe him ever. She has now decided to play god with him and access to me. I am named on his birth certificate and therefore have automatically have parental responsibility. I am tired of her dictating my visiting and sleepovers with my son. She is a very bad influence she has punched me in the face numerous times in fron of my son. She uses bad language in front of my son which he then reciprocates. I need some advice on how I can find a legal bit whereby I can pre vent her from playing god and acting in such a controlling matter.
Thanks

LawAndParents Editor 06/11/2017 at 11:23 am

As a father (with parental responsibility), you have a right to know about important issues in your child's life; this includings issues relating to education, health etc. Your GP practice, should be able to tell you about your son's medical history, any good practice will be aware of this. Write to them formally requesting records, details of check ups, vaccinations, any treatment your child has received and copies of any documentation sent to your son's mother about the dyspraxia (or any the other medical conditions).
Explain that you have already requested this information by phone and that as a parent with Parental Responsibility, you have the right to be fully involved in making decisions about any potential medical treatment and that the practice does not need the prior consent of the mother.
Ask that your letter is placed on your child's medical record and that your name is also registered as an emergency contact if the mother cannot be contacted.
This should be sufficient to force the practice to keep you informed.

Wes 04/11/2017 at 7:49 am

Hi, I have two sons 7 & 4 and have been separated from their mother for nearly two years. It has be reported that my youngest is showing signs of dyspraxia. I have asked to be included in all medical appointments regarding this but somehow I am being blocked, even by the practice.. is this right? I have full parental responsibility, see my children very often and I'm on their birth certificates. I arranged a telephone appointment, as I found out my son had an appointment to be assessed. I had to call the surgery as they hadn't called, I spoke to a receptionist, they said doctor is calling very soon.. 1 hour later I ring again and another receptionist tells me that my son never had an appointment.. it was his mother. So basically, my had an appointment/assessment as I was told, by staff that he didn't? Their mother has told them not to let me know. Their mother has also told me that she won't give me info on any of my sons assessments for what's happening. Is this right? Can I apply to see their medical records?

Regards

Wes

LawAndParents Editor 03/11/2017 at 3:04 pm

He should discuss this with the mother really. If she is ill during her with time with him, he can take her to her GP as he is the parent in charge of her care at that point.

Mich 03/11/2017 at 12:35 am

My partner has concerns about his daughter and is wanting to take her to her gp, is he able to? His daughter dosent live with him but he is on her birth cert and has contact with her every week. Thanks in advance

LawAndParents Editor 29/09/2017 at 11:24 am

Here's what the General Medical Coucil advises medical practices:

You should let parents access their child’s medical records if the child or young person consents, or lacks capacity, and it does not go against the child’s best interests. If the records contain information given by the child or young person in confidence you should not normally disclose the information without their consent.
Young people with capacity have the legal right to access their own health records and can allow or prevent access by others, including their parents. A child might of course achieve capacity earlier or later. In any event you should usually let children access their own health records. But they should not be given access to information that would cause them serious harm or any information about another person without the other person’s consent.
The BMC advice is similar: Anyone with parental responsibility has a statutory right to
apply for access to their child’s health records. If the child
is capable of giving consent, access may only be given with
his or her consent. It may be necessary to discuss parental
access alone with children if there is a suspicion that they
are under pressure to agree. (For example, the young
person may not wish a parent to know about a request for
contraceptive advice.)

Nelly 27/09/2017 at 2:05 pm

Hi, I was told today by surgery staff that a new rule has just been brought in saying we parents can no longer gain access to our 11 yrs or older children's medical record, results etc. by phone, online or otherwise. We'd require an appt. with GP to do so in which child was present. Surely this can't be correct? Blood results for example ...does child phone up for them?

Mason 26/09/2017 at 3:07 pm

Hi there,

Hoping someone can help. I'm trying to find out which gp's my son is registered at. My ex took him away six years ago. He will be seven in December and I have been fighting to get proper access. I see him every two weeks now at a contact centre as it's a 500 mile round trip so can't do it every week. But I got a court order for this access and the judge also said that she needed to give me his school and gp info. She has given me the school info, but not the gp info. I'm not even sure where he lives as I just know it's in Southampton or Portsmouth somewhere. I do have full pr as I'm on birth certificate. Any ideas?

LawAndParents Editor 01/08/2017 at 2:27 pm

There is information on how to obtain access to medical records on the NHS website here. You may need to consult a medical lawyer to help with accessing the documents, understanding them and taking action.

Hannah 28/07/2017 at 11:40 pm

Glad I found this forum long story short but my daughter have been ill from day one from birth distress, to being in SCBU, being discharged with a collapsed upper lung lobe collapse (letter to prove) to being in intensive care for 12 weeks and a children's hospital for 9 months, in and out of our children's ward until she was ready and big enough for surgery for fundlopication and gastrostomy, all her tests revealed her acid levels were normal but they still said it was GERD she's still fed through a gastrostomy now and she will be 9 in December ?? I need advice on how I go about getting her medical records so I can compare and find out an actual diagnosis I have never been told about. Under a ENT specialist at the moment and still not getting any answers I need to know what is wrong with my own child and I feel I have no knowledge of anything. Thank you please get back in touch

Booboo 13/07/2017 at 8:12 pm

I understand exactly where your coming from marky. I've been separated from my ex wife for over 3 years to discover my daughter is used for disability payments for global development delay . Through fighting thru the courts for access I've discovered that over these years she's used every organisation available without informing me . Recently I've been involved in a meeting with senco only to find there's nothing wrong with her . Which I knew anyway . At twelve years of age to be made to feel she has a problem just for financial gain is wrong on soo many levels . This will affect her for the rest of her life .

LawAndParents Editor 28/06/2017 at 11:48 am

If you are the child's natural father but not on the birth certificate you can apply for parental responsibility by simply completing an application form if the mother consents. If you can't agree on arrangements you will need to apply via the courts using form C1

Marky 26/06/2017 at 6:53 pm

Hiya basically am abit concerned and I could be completely wrong about this but am not on my sons birth certificate which means am weeing in the wind when it comes to anything, I would like to know about my sons health record because sometimes it seems to me that am just getting told what I need to know as and when and am concerned because I think my sons mam is using him as a money making machine she has him down as ASD and disability but when I have him of a weekend his perfectly fine and full of life which has me concerned because when she gets money which is supposed to be for my child it seems to go on her not my son and when it does its small doses, like I said I might be completely wrong but how do I get my sons health record just to make sure his ok, thanks in regards

LawAndParents Editor 24/05/2017 at 11:32 am

The father would usually need to give consent. We're guessing a court might be able to order him to allow access to the information but you should seek professional legal help really.

Niki 23/05/2017 at 12:25 am

My friends daughter is suffering with mental illness she's 13 and is experiencing psychosis. Her father also has severe mental health but won't disclose his diagnosis information as to weather its hereditary. Can my friend request his health records on behalf of the child for the purpose of hereditary evidence or does the father need to give consent? This has already been refused by him And she is desperately trying to find a way to help her child, there's also another younger child who too can be affected. Thank you to anyone with any information x

LawAndParents Editor 19/05/2017 at 2:35 pm

Write a note to your son's GP and/or hospital consultant asking for copies of any relevant information.

Ade 18/05/2017 at 8:31 pm

How do i request a copy of my 16year old sons medical records he has a diagnosis of autism and is transferring from dla to pip and i need records to send in as evidence

LawAndParents Editor 09/05/2017 at 10:41 am

Yes if you have parental responsibility, you should be able to get this information from your son's GP. Sent in a formal letter, asking for information and stating that you are entitled to this because you have parental responsibility.

Mrphil 07/05/2017 at 2:50 pm

My son has a dairy allergy and is on a strict diet . But i dont know what this diet consists of i dont know what hes allowed to eat or what he isnt allowed to and my ex wont give me a copy of his diet plan from the dietitian. my ex provides a packed lunch for when i see my son but i would like to take him to a restaurant from time to time. I fully understand he cant have anything containing milk. Can i get this information from sons gp

Darren 06/05/2017 at 11:53 am

I requested to see my son's medical records in a formal request, i had already proved previously that I have full PR when I changed my son's name back to his original birth name as this was done without my consent and backing from court orders which also added proof to my PR and a re-registered birth certificate, they refused the request claiming it had to be written in legal paper to grant it, my son has ongoing problems and with constantly changing information from my ex I wanted to get to the source of it all and get accurate information instead so I know i'm doing the best i can for my son but now yet again I'm having to chase information that I should surely be legally entitled to see also my son has had previous problems aswell but was never mentioned to me until it was too late

LawAndParents Editor 10/04/2017 at 12:47 pm

Yes you can ask to see the medical records. Medical staff can only refuse if there's a really good reason as to why they should be kept from you.

Lozadee 07/04/2017 at 12:24 pm

My son is 16 months with a 9 month history of illnesses and infections.
I am at my witsend of being passed on doctor to doctor.
Am i entitled to my sons notes? I would like to confirm the timeline of events, order of illnesses and dates ect.

Sarah 24/03/2017 at 8:12 pm

My daughter is 11 years old & we live in England. At what age is it legally acceptable for a child to see a gp without a parent present

LawAndParents Editor 23/02/2017 at 12:24 pm

Please follow the steps in the above article.

Pinkey878 22/02/2017 at 11:32 am

Hi my 9 yrs old boy has been very poorly with what waa first thought was a quinzzy his had been on antibiotics for well over 95 days no improvement what so ever part of his tonsil has complety taken over half his throat he can eat only drinking small sips he has been like this for 6 months I want too see his notes as iam putting a complaint in regarding his care how do I go about this please

Flo 06/01/2017 at 3:33 pm

Where do I go to obtain my children's medical records in Dallas tx

Charlie 23/12/2016 at 6:50 am

My ex and I have separated. Our child lives with me. A doctors surgery has let him have access to our child's medical records but I refused to sign the form. I have nothing to hide but we departed ways because he was controlling. He has forged my signature. If he entitled to view the medical records?

Sophie 21/10/2016 at 2:03 am

I had twin boys premature who is currently in hospital. They are 4 weeks and 1 day. I am with there father. Do I have rights to see there records as I was reading them tonight and I got told that we are not allowed access to see the records even though they are on a shelf at the end of there incubators?

Bondie 17/10/2016 at 7:29 pm

My son was adopted over 20 years ago. He is one of a twin both twins are disabled. My son was starved of oxygen during the birthing process we took the health authority to court but unfortunately lost. I would like to access his passed medical records would this still be possible even though I am.no longer his legal guardian.

kimgibbs78 15/10/2016 at 5:35 pm

Hi can a primary school make me give concent to get my daughters medical records even though I've given evidence of going to the doctors by getting the doctor to print of the consultation? I feel as if I'm being bullied and they are not believing me when my daughter has time off ! I just want to make sure when I tell them no that I won't get into trouble

Stoney 23/09/2016 at 7:23 pm

I have a 14 year Daughter who is autistic and unable to say yes or no let alone understand about medical record we have asked by letter for just two bits of information but it would be nice to now all of what they have but; They are refusing this information saying we will have to pay first time said £30.00-then £20.00 then saying £10.00 do we have to pay for anything to find out: 1) when she was last seen by the GP: 2) and by whom which GP was as we belong to a multi doctor sergey some times changing from month to month i think it is unreasonable to ask for money for just two bits of info is it legal to do so.

LawAndParents Editor 02/08/2016 at 12:26 pm

No an next of kin has no automatic rights of access to medical records.

none 01/08/2016 at 8:23 pm

My son is unable to comunicate because of brain damage. I'm next of kin. Have I got thenough right to see all his medical records

Distresseddad 12/07/2016 at 1:19 pm

My daughter was born in april of this year and has severe medical conditions has already had 2 major operations, she has now been discharged from hospital with her mother. Up until one week after discharge I had full access to my daughter and had authorised the surgeries,but her mother appears to suffering PND and has now refused me access sadly due to her complete lack desire to communicate I have had to use a solicitors to try gain contact. I have contacted my daughters GP and sent copy of my passport and the birth certificate to prove I have parental rights but it is now two weeks and I have not received any reply even a refusal. The practise manager stated on the phone she would have to seek my daughters mothers permission to give me access. I'm worried as my daughter is due further major surgery and I feel as though I am now being kept out of the loop despite having played a major role so far.

LawAndParents Editor 06/07/2016 at 10:37 am

Yes they can ask your daughter to consent before you can have access to her medical recordsworks. The GMC guidance is as follows:
"You should let parents access their child’s medical records if the child or young person consents, or lacks capacity, and it does not go against the child’s best interests. If the records contain information given by the child or young person in confidence you should not normally disclose the information without their consent"

heaston 05/07/2016 at 10:35 am

My daughter is 12.5 yes old. I filled in forms for both of us fir me to be able to book appts and have access to our records at our doctors. They are refusing me consent to her records without my daughters consent by saying they are following guidelines. I know there is nothing untoward or any reason for them to do this other than sheer stupidity. She is 12! I shouldnt need her consent to see anything, she is a minor. Where do I stand please?

LawAndParents Editor 28/04/2016 at 10:36 am

No if your teenager wants to see the doctor about something that they wish to be treated in confidence, then your doctor is under no obligation to inform you.
As the article above states: "The doctor can also refuse information if they believe that their patient will suffer serious harm to their physical or mental well being or to any other individual. Other scenarios may include where your child's information contains further information about another individual and upon revealing your child's information, the other individual's right to confidentiality could be trespassed."

Beck 27/04/2016 at 11:04 am

My 15 year old son wants me to make him an appointment with our gp, he won't tell me why and doesn't want me to go with him. I am very concerned as he has become very secretive and withdrawn. He starts his exams in a few weeks and seems stressed.
What rights do I have as his mother to find out what is wrong and why he wants to see a doctor?

LawAndParents Editor 07/03/2016 at 11:16 am

You have the same rights as your wife to see your children's medical records. If you're still married and living with your wife, you could offer to accompany her on some of the hospital/doctor visits. That way you could have a quiet word with the medical staff who may be able to give you some advice.

Hereweareagain... 04/03/2016 at 6:48 am

I'm concerned that my wife is overpathologising our children (ages 6 and 7). They have been to children's A&E many many times since they were born. Sometimes, this has been for good cause - children get ill and have accidents, but on other occasions the ailment has been self-limiting. My wife has also expressed concern that my son and daughter have other medical conditions such as Tourette's and Seasonal Affective Disorder. In any case, there always seems to be something 'wrong' with their health when overall, they are actually in good health and nothing is wrong with them.
My concerns are twofold. Firstly, that this continued medical attention is distressing our children and will continue indefinitely. Secondly, that this continuing pathologising of their lives and continuing hospital visits/stays are perhaps symptomatic of an underlying issue with my wife.
I have alluded to my concerns but I don't think my wife would listen or accept with an open mind without feeling like I'm somehow 'blaming' her or take my concerns on board. I'm happy to take my own personal concerns out of the equation and be proven wrong - in which case, the problem may well be with me!
Having access to a definitive and authoritative medical record would help clarify this. I am married and their biological father. Can I obtain a record or access their medical records. Do I have sufficient grounds/rights?

heartbroken 22/02/2016 at 12:14 am

Hi. I was wondering what my rights as the mother, of accessing my childs medical records who's subject to long term Looked after child through the Local authority.
My child has had long term emotional and behavioural difficulties and before he was taken, he had brain scans testing him for abnormalities like ADHD and Autism. Now I got what I presume, you'd call a report giving the all clear. Social services were involved at the time and my children on CP plan. After 5 yrs of, which he's been in foster care all that time, I'm getting told that CAMHS are thinking he's borderline ADHA, although, they haven't started working with him yet, and I have never been sent any appointment letters to attend the doctors with my son. I should be invited to all of his health appointments and feel I have the right to know whether my son is mentally and physically healthy. As does his father as he is named on his birth certificate. Which, by the way, we are not in possession off.
I do believe that there has been a lot of untruths and information hidden from me, and I am genuinely concerned for my 10 year old son, who's lost 2 sisters and a brother through the system, he's not allowed contact with his father or siblings, only myself every three months. He has had numerous foster placements, in a special needs school and has a statement, as far as I've been told for, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
I understand, as my son is in long term foster care, that I still have parental rights.
A solicitors will not help me, I cannot get legal aid no. I feel it's vitally important, that as his mother who is hugely concerned for my son's mental and physical welfare, I have access to his medical records, I am concerned of the impact all this trauma is having on my son.
My three other children, mentioned above, well they were all made subject to placements orders. All of them went to adopters but one returned to her previous foster carers after 5 months in her adoptive placement. She is almost 7 and as far as I'm aware, social services have kept her on a placement order, rather than revoking the order. I think the Local Authority would struggle to find a "so called" forever home, if one has already broken down. Before she went to her adoptive placement, her social worker told me, the doctor gave my daughter a diagnosis for ODD & ADHD, then later retracted it. What rights do I currently have for her?
If anybody can give me a little advice of where I need to start to get all the information I'd like, to help my lost children of the system, it will be very much appreciated.
Thank you

A very, upset and concerned Mum

Tom620 20/02/2016 at 1:12 pm

Hello,
My son is three months old and has been in hospital since birth. I asked the nurse to see his medical records. I was told the consultant would give me them. When the consultant arrived he stated he could not show me the records without a written request through a certain protocol and added the law here (Scotland) is different to England you don't have an automatic right to see your child's records.

What are my rights here in Scotland are they different to England?

k 30/12/2015 at 8:44 pm

my 2 nearly three year old lives with his mum and I think/know he has a eating disorder thats affecting his teeth and bad toilet troubles. iv asked his mum for details of doctor to discuss help and she refuses to give me information because shes ignoring the problem. can I get a visit for my son quicker than doing it in writing such as report her for ignoring his health problems,to get a health visit, as everyday I wait for writen response if refused its not getting any better and im sure he needs some sort of help. I have him every week but shes been rufusing to give me doctors information for six months if I ring the local provider can they make a visit to deal with the health n diet of my boy? im on birth certificate and he has my second name also.his mum has a seperate health visitor so unsure if that is why shes ignoring issue to prevent her "looking bad" ignores my opinion and I stay civil to see my boy but problem hasnt changed?who should I contact ?

LawAndParents Editor 11/12/2015 at 11:54 am

No you cannot access his health records. Speak to him about this directly.

em 10/12/2015 at 12:35 pm

My sons dad was in hospital for a length of time and signed off work he would never tell me why and im concerned it maybe his mental health. Do i have any right to access his health records if i am concerned about my sons welfare and the fact the problems maybe passed on to him

LawAndParents Editor 07/12/2015 at 12:40 pm

Your request can be refused if the medical team feels they have good grounds to do so. Put your request in writing to the hospital manager/registrar formally as suggested in the article and you may be given some more information or reasons why the refusal is in place.

Peter 05/12/2015 at 2:42 pm

Hi there. My 6 week old daughter is currently in hospital due to pressure on the brain caused by her skull fusing together at the back.(which is causing her to be very lethargic and sickly),
My wife asked one of the nurses if she could view our daughters notes as docs are coming and going but not really communicating with us directly. The nurse told her NO, it was against data protection. Surely as her parents and her being so young that we have a right to look at them notes, we have a 1 yr old who has been in and out of hospital due to breathing and reflux issues and it's never been an issue looking at her notes. Where do we stand now with our 6 week old. We'd just like to know what's being said and done, hope to hear back from you soon.
Thank you...

LawAndParents Editor 16/11/2015 at 12:56 pm

We don't know enough about your sister's personal situation to be able to comment on this really.

concerned brother/un 14/11/2015 at 1:20 pm

Hi,

My sister lost custody of her son, who now lives with a legal guardian (his maternal grandmother). My sister is concerned about the amount of ill-health her son has had since living with his legal guardian. She still has parental responsibility. Would she be able to request to see his medical records?

LawAndParents Editor 21/10/2015 at 10:21 am

No you should not have to pay to be given health information about your child. Follow the steps in the above article. If they are still not budging seek advice from a legal professional or from Citizens' Advice about applying for a specific issue order via the courts.

Loving father 20/10/2015 at 10:26 am

Hey there I'm a father of a 20 month old daughter I am on birth certificate I have been fighting for months to get my name on my daughters medical file I found the surgrey and for ages they been refusing me and my daughters mothers won't tell me much after writing back and forth they agreed to meet me but they said it will cost £40 for Drs file and £50 for a health visitor file are they allowed to charge me and all I want is to be put on my child's medical file in case something happens or information I need to know thanks

hiddenplanet 19/10/2015 at 9:50 pm

Hi my partners ex who sees his kids once a fortnight has changed their dentist and gp. Can he do this? What steps can we take to reverse this and prevent reoccurrence?

LawAndParents Editor 07/10/2015 at 12:49 pm

No, your parents cannot access your medical records.

L 04/10/2015 at 2:37 am

I'm 22 years old and had suffered a miscarriage when was just 16 I know this will be shown on my medical records but I kept this from my parents and still to this day they do not know but are asking questions after suffering from depression same point every year. They have told me they are going to go to my doctors and request to see my records from 16. Can they do this as I was under the age of 18 at the time or do I have to give permission for them to get access to them as I am now over the legal age for parents to have access to confidential details?

sony 10/01/2015 at 3:17 am

My sons wife has just had their baby, she has denied him access to seeing her, social services are involved because of (accusations of Domestic Violence). Baby is in Intensive Care, the hospital wont give my son any information on his new born daughter, the hospital have said that, social services have told them not to tell him anything. My son has parental responsibility, child born within the marriage. My son denies all allegations against him. According to the mother, the baby may not survive. My son is desperate to see his daughter, and get the latest health updates. Is this correct procedure.

arthur 20/12/2014 at 2:46 am

Does a mum need to give ex boyfriend who is named on birth certificate her new address if she gives access to baby every week. The worry is he may call around and cause trouble.

PAT 10/12/2014 at 8:29 am

Our adopted daughter has a history of disappearing and putting herself into extremely dangerous situations where all sorts of terrible, terrible things have happened to her. We believe it is because of self-hatred, because she thinks she is not lovable, that there is something wrong with her and that this is why her birth parents would not care for her or fight to keep her. She is self destructive and self harming and is extremely abusive and violent if she does not get her way. We have been brutally assaulted as indeed many of her carers have been since. She has been diagnosed with Complex PTSD by several psychiatrists. She is in special care under Section 20. She will be 18 years old in six months. We are concerned that there is no care/support plan for her after she reaches 18. However Social Services and CAMHS refuse to discuss her case with us because she has told them not to do so. We think she is going to fall over a cliff when she comes out of her current care framework and will not be able to cope but Social Services refuse to discuss what plan they may have in place for her even though at the same time they acknowledge we have full parental responsibility. We don't even know if there is a plan at all. They will not discuss it with us.

Have we any rights to know what is going on/what is planned (if anything) or to influence it?

didi 12/03/2013 at 2:09 pm

hello, maybe my question is not really related to medical records..but ..here is my story..soon my son(13 years old) going to have an appointment with psychologist for psychological assessment and my question is do i have legal right to stay with him in the process of assessment. everything started when other boys been teasing my boy, because of our nationality (we are from Latvia), of cause it lead to fights on some point..(its a short story). my son had to sit many detentions same as other boys, but here recently after one of those fights my son was suspended for three days..and on the meeting with principal i was told my son is agressive, he cant control his anger and they going to make an appointment with special authorities, psychologist to make tests about his agression..i asked is this an offer or its something i have to just take it..i was told its part of agreement..so now i m sitting and thinking that they probably want to put my son out from school,but they need the reason..(its grammar school,very posh)..so do i have right to be in the room with my son whenever he is having this test(or talking to that psychologist),my son's english is ok,but i think he needs some help with understanding of some special word for example..and i just trust nobody now..i dont know what is their plan..hope to get a reply

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