DD hospital test results - can I get a copy?

[MammyKaz]

Just this really. Am I actually entitled to obtain a copy of test results?

DD has had a variety of investigative tests over the last 6 months & we're getting extremely frustrated at the slow pace that our NHS consultant is moving at. I know they are busy & have lots of patients but despite assurances her condition was nothing to be concerned about it now seems it may actually be more worrying but there's no urgency on their part to move forward with next steps.

So we're considering having a private consultation to review all her tests & give us a frank opinion on where we are, where to go & possibly test. I've requested copies of all her results from our consultant's secretary but they seem reluctant to provide these. It's so frustrating & worrying I'm driving myself mad.

[CajaDeLaMemoria]

You can ask, or you can request them through the freedom of information act, but they may charge a small fee and they take around a month. Most hospitals have an advice page on the website about this.

In theory it's easy. In practise, it can be a challenge. The NHS have lost most of my medical record since I asked for a copy, and now none of my consultants remember what we've been doing.

[nohalfmeasures]

It would be so much easier if we had the equivalent of a Tesco clubcard for our medical notes. Tesco know exactly what we have bought, when we bought it etc. We should have one simple card with all our notes on which consultants/GPs just swipe and you enter a pin. simple.
You should be allowed a copy of your results. If you seek a second opinion then it's likely they may want to repeat some of the tests. Speak with your GP rather than your consultant, as they will/should have copies of them.

[MammyKaz]

Thanks both.
A month!!! Caja I couldn't possibly wait that long, it'd be quicker to retest everything she's had done.
Nohalfmeasures Yes as much as I hate so much information being readily available & have opted out of the Patient Database thing it would certainly help in this situation. GP has consultant updates but not actual detailed test results - I've been copied on all these too. I know they may want to re-run some tests but what will be important is the comparison from then to now.
I'll just have to continue to politely badger them until I get a proper response.

[CajaDeLaMemoria]

Here you go:

www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/1309.aspx?categoryid=68

NHS page. An official request can take up to 40 days but they should return it within 21. Mine took 37, I think, but they did write within 21 to say it would take longer, so class it as a 'met target'.

And then my file was empty, apart from my name, address, DOB and some very basic info: no test results, records of appointments, nothing. They apologised, but seriously?

You may find that the private doctor wants to test themselves anyway, incase the NHS has missed anything.

[MammyKaz]

Thanks for that Caja. Feeling pretty despondent about all this as the comparison is quite important

[nohalfmeasures]

I guess the thing would be to apply asap for the results to get the ball rolling
The other thing is that comparisons can be difficult if there are only subtle changes. Different labs may have slightly different normal reference ranges. .