Medical records and health and social care complaints in Northern Ireland

For the executor or administrator of someone who has died in Northern Ireland, or a person who may have a claim arising out of the death. An application under Article 5(1)(e) of the Access to Health Records (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 to a GP practice or a health and social care trust: it names the patient and their Health and Care Number, says in which capacity you apply, lists the records wanted and asks for them within 21 or 40 days. Enclose the death certificate and your evidence. Posted first class. Sold blank, to complete by hand.

For a parent in Northern Ireland leaving a child with grandparents, a friend, a childminder or another carer: a signed letter arranging for the carer to consent to the child’s medical treatment while the child is with them, and to speak to doctors and dentists. A parent may arrange for someone to meet part of their parental responsibility but cannot hand it over (Article 5(8) of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995). You choose emergency treatment only, or routine care too, and the dates.

For a patient or service user in Northern Ireland, or someone complaining with their consent, unhappy with care from a GP practice, a dentist, a hospital or another health and social care service. A formal complaint to the trust or practice under the complaints procedure every HSC organisation has followed since 1 January 2026: it says what happened and what you want done, asks for an answer within the procedure's time limits and names the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman as the next step. The Patient and Client Council helps free. Sent by email. Sold blank, as it holds health data.

For a patient anywhere in the UK who wants a copy of their health records from a GP practice, a hospital, a dentist or a private clinic. A subject access request under Article 15 of the UK GDPR: it asks for the records you choose and the information about how they are used, and reminds the practice of the one-month time limit and that the copy is free. Sent by email, with proof of identity. In England the NHS App already shows many patients their GP record. Sold blank, to complete by hand, as it holds health data DocMuse does not collect.

For a policyholder anywhere in the UK whose private medical insurance should pay for treatment. One letter for two moments: a claim for treatment you have had or need, or a challenge to the insurer's refusal or reduction of a claim. It sets out the treatment and the amount, your reasons, recalls the insurer's duty to pay within a reasonable time, and turns into a formal complaint with the eight-week limit and the free Financial Ombudsman Service. Sent by email. Sold blank, to complete by hand, as it holds health data.