Claire Dawson
If you want to access your maternity notes, you can do so by contacting the hospital where you gave birth. You can request your notes by phone, email, or letter. Some hospitals may also offer an online portal where you can access your notes securely. You may need to complete an application form and provide identification to receive a copy of your notes. It is your legal right to access your maternity notes, and you can also request corrections or additions if necessary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accessing maternity notes | Accessing maternity health records is a legal right for every woman. |
| Methods | Online, phone, email, letter |
| Online | My Pregnancy Notes, Pregnotes |
| Phone | Call the hospital or maternity unit to arrange an appointment |
| Send an email to the data controller of the medical records department at the hospital | |
| Letter | Write a letter to the data controller of the medical records department at the hospital |
| Time taken | The Trust is legally allowed 30 calendar days to process the request |
| Cost | Free |
| Notes correction | If the notes are unclear, contact your local NCT antenatal teacher or the PALS service at the hospital where you gave birth |
| Notes retention | Maternity records are kept for 25 years after giving birth |
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What You'll Learn
Accessing maternity notes online
Register for Online Access
Firstly, you will need to register for online access to your maternity notes. Many hospitals offer digital portals, such as "My Pregnancy Notes", where you can view your records securely using your mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Visit the website of the hospital where you gave birth and look for their online maternity notes service. You may need to create an account and verify your email address. During registration, you will likely be asked about data sharing preferences, so be sure to read through the information provided carefully.
Provide Pregnancy Details
Once registered, you will need to provide details about your pregnancy. This may include information such as the date of your last period and the hospital where you plan to give birth. If you are having a home birth, there may be an option to select a specific hospital or a separate process to follow.
Consent and Data Sharing
After providing your pregnancy details, you will likely need to give consent for data sharing. This allows your maternity notes to be shared with the relevant healthcare professionals involved in your care. It is important to understand what your data will be used for, so take the time to read through the information provided and discuss any concerns with your midwife.
Accessing Your Notes
Once your registration is complete, you should be able to securely access your maternity notes online. Your notes may include information such as appointment discussions, test results, vaccines, and measurements. It is important to note that your online records may take up to 48 hours to update after each appointment.
Requesting Corrections or Copies
If you identify any inaccuracies in your maternity notes, you can request corrections or include additional notes. You can also request a permanent hard copy of your notes to keep for your records. This can usually be done by contacting the person in charge of data at your hospital or GP's surgery via email or letter.
Remember, accessing your maternity notes is your legal right, and you should not incur any charges for doing so. If you encounter any difficulties or have specific queries about your notes, don't hesitate to contact your midwife, maternity unit, or the hospital's patient advice and liaison service (PALS).
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Requesting a hard copy
Some hospitals offer a debrief service in maternity care, where you can go through your notes with a midwife counsellor. If you have any issues accessing your notes, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital where you gave birth. They can help with information and complaints. You can also contact the Chief Executive at the hospital or the Information Commissioner's Office.
If you have been cared for at multiple hospitals, you will need to apply to each hospital for your notes. Your notes do not follow you, so each hospital will hold its own records. You can download an application form from the hospital's website or write to or email the data controller of the medical records department. The data controller or health records manager may ask you to complete a form to confirm your identity before sending you the notes.
It is important to note that your request for a hard copy of your maternity notes may be refused if it is believed that releasing the information could harm your or another person's physical or mental health. However, this is the only valid reason for refusing your request. You do not need to provide a reason for your request unless you want to.
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What to include in your request
When requesting maternity notes from a hospital, you may be able to download a request form from the hospital's website. Alternatively, you can write or email the data controller of the medical records department at the hospital. If you were cared for at multiple hospitals, you must apply to each hospital individually, as notes are not shared between hospitals.
Your request should include the following:
- Your full name, address, and contact details.
- The name of the hospital and the date of your delivery.
- A clear and specific description of the information you are requesting, such as "all maternity notes, including electronic records, my baby's notes, and all attached documents such as letters and laboratory results."
- A copy of your identification, such as a driver's license or passport.
- If requested by the hospital, a completed form to confirm your identity and, if desired, the reason for your request.
You can also specify the format in which you would like to receive the information, such as by email or postal mail. If you would like to view your notes in person, you can phone the hospital or maternity unit to arrange an appointment.
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Who to contact if there's a problem
If you experience any issues while requesting your maternity notes, there are several people and organisations you can contact for help. Here is a list of contacts to try:
Midwife or maternity unit
If you have lost your maternity record, you should contact your midwife or maternity unit as soon as possible. They can also help you access your maternity notes online.
Local NCT antenatal teacher
If there is anything unclear in your notes, your local NCT antenatal teacher may be able to help you understand the information.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Most hospitals have a PALS service that can assist with information and complaints. Contact the PALS service at the hospital where you gave birth.
Primary care trust, local health board, or HSS Trust
You can reach out to your primary care trust, local health board, or HSS Trust for assistance.
Association for Improvements to Maternity Services (AIMS)
AIMS is an organisation that can provide support and information regarding maternity services. You can contact them by emailing [email protected] or calling 0300 365 0663.
Chief Executive of the hospital
If you are having trouble obtaining a copy of your notes, you can write to or call the Chief Executive at the hospital where you were last seen to request assistance.
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
The ICO is a government body that deals with information rights and freedom of information. They can be contacted by phone at 0303 123 1113 or through their website.
Campaign for Freedom of Information
This organisation may be able to provide support and guidance regarding freedom of information requests. Their phone number is 020 7324 2519.
Remember, you have a legal right to access your maternity health records, and these organisations are available to support you in exercising that right.
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What to do if you lose your maternity record
If you lose your maternity record, the first step is not to panic. Maternity records are kept for 25 years after giving birth, so there is plenty of time to request a new copy. It is your legal right to access your maternity health record, and you can do so free of charge.
You can request a new copy of your maternity notes by contacting your midwife, maternity unit, or the hospital where you gave birth. You should be able to access your notes online, and you can request that they be sent to you electronically or as a hard copy. To request a hard copy, send an email or a letter to the person in charge of data at your hospital or GP's surgery. You may be charged a fee for this, which can range from £10 to £50, depending on the availability of electronic records. You will receive a response within 40 days of your application being received and your identity checked.
If you have any issues receiving your maternity notes, you can contact the Chief Executive at the organisation you are writing to for assistance. You can also write to or call the Information Commissioner's Office at the following addresses and numbers:
- Head office: Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF. Email: [email protected]. Tel: 0303 123 1113 (or +44 1625 545 700 if calling from overseas).
- Scotland office: The Information Commissioner's Office–Scotland, 45 Melville Street, Edinburgh EH3 7HL. Tel: 0303 123 1115. Email: [email protected].
- Wales office: Information Commissioner's Office–Wales, 2nd Floor, Churchill House, Churchill Way, Cardiff CF10 2HH. Tel: 029 2067 8400. Email: [email protected].
- Northern Ireland office: Information Commissioner's Office–Northern Ireland, 51 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT.
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Frequently asked questions
You can request maternity notes from the hospital by downloading a form from the hospital's website, writing to the data controller of the medical records department, or by emailing them. You may also be able to access your notes online.
You will need to provide a copy of your identification and confirm your identity before the hospital sends you the notes.
The hospital has 30 calendar days to process your request.
