Bernard Allen
Ceist:134 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if she will outline her views in relation to health boards which do not comply with court orders to produce full disclosure of all medical files of litigants.
Written Answers. - Litigants' Medical Files.
The record of the treatment of a patient is the property of the hospital or health board concerned. As a general rule, a hospital or health board will make details of the relevant medical records available to a patient, if requested.
Where legal proceedings are anticipated, the hospital or health board concerned normally place these matters in the hands of their legal advisers.
I am not aware of any problems arising concerning the disclosure of medical files in such cases. However, if the Deputy has a particular case in mind I would be happy to make inquiries in the matter if he communicates the details.