Anyone can make a request to see the information that NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent holds about them. This is referred to as a Subject Access Request.
If you would like to request more general information about the NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent, then you can make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
For access to your medical information, please see below.
How do I make a request for information?
If your request is for NON-MEDICAL information that NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent holds relating to you:
Data Protection Manager,
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent,
Information Governance,
Folkestone Health Centre,
15-25 Dover Road,
Folkestone,
Kent, CT20
If your request is a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, see: Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
When requesting information, if you would like it in another language, large print, braille or audio, please let us know.
What will we do when we receive your request?
We will acknowledge your request and send you an application form to complete in order for us to identify and locate the information you have requested.
How long will it take?
We are obliged to comply with our DPA obligations promptly and within 40 days following the date we receive your request. If we need to ask you for clarification of the request, the 40 day period does not start until that is received.
How much will it cost to make a request?
Charges may be applied for requests to records under the Data Protection Act 1998.
Please note: these charges include postage and packing
How will my records be shown to me?
The choice is yours. You can either make an appointment to view your notes or photocopies can be sent to you. If you include your choice when you write to the Data Protection Manager then this can be arranged for you.
Can I be refused access to non-medical information held about me?
You can be refused access to records, or part of them:
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the information relates to, or was provided by, an identified individual apart from yourself or a health professional.
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you are applying on behalf of someone who has died or is no longer capable of managing their own affairs, but who originally gave the information on the understanding that it wouldn’t be revealed later.
If it is not possible to provide the information requested, the PCT will write to you and let you know why.
Complaints and appeals
Should you be unhappy with the outcome of a DPA request, you should in the first instance contact the named individual at the PCT who responded to your request.
You are also free to contact the Information Commissioner directly in the event you remain dissatisfied with the conduct of the PCT in resolving your complaint phone 01625 545700, or write to the following address:
Information Commissioners Office,
Wycliffe House,
Water Lane,
Wilmslow,
Cheshire,
SK9 5AF.
Access to Health Records
Accessing your Medical Information
NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent does not hold medical information.
For treatment that has taken place with your GP, and your GP records, you should contact your GP surgery directly.
For records relating to community care (including physiotherapy, sexual health, minor injuries units, walk in centre, school nurse, health visitor, podiatry or dental)
Access to Records Lead,
Legal Services Department,
Eastern and Coastal Kent Community Health NHS Trust,
Trinity House,
110 to 120 Upper Pemberton,
Eureka Park,
Ashford,
Kent, TN25 4AZ.
For x-rays that were taken at Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital, please contact:
Access to Records,
Medway NHS Foundation Trust,
Medway Maritime Hospital,
Windmill Road,
Gillingham,
Kent, ME7 5NY.
For x-rays and hospital treatment within east Kent (William Harvey, Kent & Canterbury and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother hospitals), please contact:
Access to Records Lead,
East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust,
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital,
St Peter’s Road,
Margate,
Kent, CT9 4AN.
More information
