Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 3

Written Answers. - Medical Records.

Seán Haughey

Question:

235 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children if a patient is entitled to a copy of his or her medical records in the case where he or she had surgery carried out in a public hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5874/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The Freedom of Information Act, 1997, created a statutory right of access to records held by a public body. The Act applies to health boards since 21 October 1998 and will apply to voluntary hospitals later this year.

Subject to the detailed provisions of the Act, a patient has a right of access to his or her medical records. Where such access could be injurious to the well-being of the patient, such access will be provided on their behalf to nominated health professional with relevant expertise.

The Act allows for a variety of forms of access including a copy of the record. It requires the public body to grant access in the form requested by the patient unless an alternative form of access would be significantly more efficient. In some other circumstances the Act also allows the hospital to vary the form of access but the normal form of access to a medical record is the provision of a copy of same.