What You’re Entitled to & How to Get Them
Whether you’re seeking answers after a medical experience or gathering information to explore a possible negligence claim, having access to medical records is an important first step. Patients in Ireland have a legal right to request their own records, and in some cases, the records of a family member. This guide explains how to access medical records through both public and private healthcare systems, and what to do if you’re requesting records on behalf of a loved one—whether living or deceased.
Right to Access Your Own Medical Records:
Everyone has a legal right to access their own medical records as they are your own personal records. This right of access is granted by the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (for public records) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (for private records).
Accessing Your Own Medical Records in the Public Healthcare System
You have a right to request your public medical records under the Freedom of Information Acts. The Freedom of Information (FOI) Acts apply to public bodies and the GP records of a patient who holds a medical card. They do not apply to private hospitals or to a GP’s private patient records.
In order to request your medical records under FOI, you must write to the appropriate body and state that you are making a request for your medical records under the Freedom of Information Acts. Your request should be as specific as possible and you will need to include a copy of identification (passport or driver’s license).
The FOI body must acknowledge your request within 2 weeks and furnish the records within a 4 week period. However, the FOI body may ask for more time to complete your request if there are a lot of documents to consider or there is a backlog of requests. If the FOI wishes to extend the time period they must notify you in writing and it cannot be extended for more than a further 4 weeks.
You do not have to pay to access your own personal records. However you may be charged a nominal fee for the time the public body spends searching and retrieving the records and for copying costs.
Accessing Your Own Medical Records in the Private Healthcare System
You have a right to request your private medical records under the Data Protection Acts.
In order to request your medical records under the Data Protection Acts , you must write to the appropriate body and state that you are making a request for your medical records under the Data Protection Acts. Your request should be as specific as possible and you will need to include a copy of identification (passport or driver’s license).
Where a data protection request is made, a response to the request must be made without undue delay and at the latest within one month of receiving the request. The time to respond can be extended by a further two months if the request is complex or they have received a number of requests from the same individual. However, they must advise the individual of the need to extend the timeframe and explain why the extension is necessary. It is also good practice to keep requesters regularly updated as to the status of their data request.
Generally speaking, a fee cannot be charged for requesting your medical records. However, a reasonable fee to cover administrative costs (photocopying fee) can be charged if an additional copy of the records is requested.
How Can You Request a Copy of Your Living Family Member’s Records?
You can make a request under FOI to access the medical information of your child or an adult you care for if they are unable to exercise their rights. The record request will only be granted if it is considered in the best interests of your child or the person you care for.
How Can You Request the Records of an Individual Who Has Died?
Medical records of the deceased can be requested under FOI.
You can only access the medical records of a deceased person if you are:
- The personal representative administering the estate of the person who died
- Performing some legal function related to the person who died or their estate
- Their spouse (this includes a divorced spouse or cohabitee), next of kin or another person that the head of the public body considers appropriate
In the third category, the ongoing obligation of confidentiality will be weighed against the potential benefit of sharing relevant information with the requester.
What Happens When You Contact Me
Here’s what to expect if you decide to reach out:
- We’ll talk. I’ll listen to what happened and answer any questions you have — no pressure, no obligation.
- You’ll get clear advice. I’ll explain whether I believe you may have a case, and talk you through your options.
- I’ll investigate. If we decide to move forward, I’ll request your medical records and, where needed, seek opinions from independent experts.
- I’ll handle everything. If a claim is possible, I’ll manage the entire process personally — keeping things as simple and stress-free as possible.
What My Clients Say
I’m proud to have supported clients through some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Here are just a few of the kind words they’ve shared about their experience working with me:
Reassuring and understanding
"Laura was a pleasure to deal with. While so many in the industry can be cold and intimidating, Laura was so reassuring and understanding while being very open and honest and not at all misleading. She is also so knowledgeable and speaks in terms that all can understand she is very informative. Laura gives regular updates so there is no need to worry about being forgotten. Would highly recommend Laura."
Exceptional professionalism and outstanding communication
"We were incredibly impressed by their exceptional professionalism from the outset. Laura provided clear, well-structured advice at every stage of the process. Communication was outstanding — Laura was consistently responsive and ensured that we were fully informed throughout the case. This level of attentiveness gave us great confidence that the matter was being handled with the utmost care and diligence. Laura’s ability to balance empathy with rigorous legal expertise was truly commendable. I would have no hesitation in recommending Croke Medical Law."
I will be forever grateful
"I will be forever grateful to Laura for her guidance and support during such a difficult time. Her care and expertise made all the difference."
I felt guided and reassured throughout
"From the beginning, Laura was supportive, clear, and honest. I felt reassured and guided throughout, and I couldn’t recommend her highly enough."
Always available, always compassionate
"Laura made what felt like an overwhelming process so easy to understand. She was always available, always compassionate, and incredibly professional."
Supported and guided us
“Laura is the ultimate professional while also being kind and compassionate. Laura was so easy to deal with, kept us informed every step of the way and supported and guided us through a very difficult process. We will be forever grateful to her and would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Laura to anyone that finds themselves in our unfortunate situation".
I’m also proud to have earned consistent 5-star reviews on Google from clients who value clear advice, compassion, and real results.
Not sure if you have a case? Let's talk.
If you’re unsure whether you have a case or just need some guidance, let’s have a quick chat. No pressure, no obligation — just clear, honest advice to help you understand your options.
You can reach me directly by phone, email, or simply fill out the contact form here. I’ll personally take the time to listen and point you in the right direction.
Email: laura@crokemedicallaw.com
Phone: +353 83 330 1674