Access to medical records
What is a health record?
A health record is a collection of recorded information that is specific and unique to the individual patient. This record will provide information that ensures that patients are correctly identified, and that they receive the appropriate care and treatment for their individual health needs.
Examples of information stored within a health record are:
- hypersensitivity reactions to medicine
- test results
- information relating to inpatient and outpatient attendances
- nursing charts
- correspondence from health care professionals involved in the patients care
- living will instructions.
This information can be recorded and stored in a number of formats: paper, scans, microfilm, and computer (electronic). These records are stored in the healthcare records library and at our offsite facility in Enfield.
Homerton University Hospital has a legal obligation to ensure that records are maintained on all patients that receive care within the Trust.
NHS Number
Everyone registered with the NHS in England and Wales has their own NHS number. It is the only national unique patient identifier, used to help healthcare staff and service providers match you to your health records. It is an important step towards providing you with safer patient care.