Medical records are vital documents that contain detailed information about your health history, treatments, and care received at healthcare facilities. At the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH), patients have the right to access their medical records, ensuring transparency and empowering individuals to be active participants in their healthcare journey.
What Medical Records Does RBWH Hold?
RBWH maintains comprehensive records for patients treated at the hospital, including:
- General health records
- Birth records dating back to June 1947, which include details like mother’s name, baby’s sex, birth date and time, weight, and midwife’s signature
- Records from 2003 to the present for various treatments and admissions
It’s important to note that general health records that have been inactive for 10 years are usually destroyed, while birth records are retained for 28 years before disposal.
How Can You Access Your Medical Records?
To request access to your medical records at RBWH, you need to follow a formal process:
- Submit a Written Request: Requests must be made in writing and certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP).
- Proof of Identity: The JP will verify your identity using documents such as a birth certificate, driver’s licence, passport, pension card, or student card.
- Contact the Information Access Unit:
- Postal Address: Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Queensland 4029
- Phone: (07) 3646 8323
- Email: IAU-RBWH@health.qld.gov.au
If you are a child seeking access to your birth information, a copy of your birth certificate should accompany your request.
Rights and Privacy Considerations
Under the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld), you have the right to access your personal health information. However, access may be limited if:
- The information contains details about other individuals.
- Releasing the information could harm your physical or mental wellbeing.
- The information is exempt under privacy or public interest grounds.
In such cases, access might be provided through a healthcare professional or with certain information redacted.
Administrative Access and Freedom of Information
RBWH operates within the Metro North Hospital and Health Service, and many health services allow patients to request administrative access to their records by completing specific forms. For more extensive access or in complex cases, applications can be made under the Right to Information Act 2009 (Qld) or the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld).
Why Accessing Your Medical Records Matters
Having access to your medical records helps you:
- Understand your medical history and treatments received
- Coordinate care with other healthcare providers
- Prepare for legal or insurance matters
- Make informed decisions about your health
Additional Support
If you have questions or concerns about accessing your records, RBWH encourages patients to contact the Information Access Unit or speak with their clinical team. The hospital is committed to protecting your privacy while facilitating access to your health information.
Summary
- RBWH holds extensive patient records, including general health and birth records.
- Requests for access must be in writing and certified by a Justice of the Peace.
- Proof of identity is required to protect patient privacy.
- Access is governed by Queensland privacy laws and may have certain limitations.
- Contact RBWH’s Information Access Unit for assistance and to submit requests.