Solicitors' enquiries

Solicitors Requests for patients medical records

Where legal action is not being taken against the Trust

When requests are made for patients medical records the following will apply:

Please ensure you request the following documentation,

  • Signed written consent form by the client, or person with Parental Responsibility (child).
  • Patient's name, time and date of the incident, exact location, hospital conveyed to (if any);
  • A cheque made payable to North West Ambulance Service, NHS Trust for £25.00(refer to standardised medical records charges and request accordingly).
  • Request for tapes will be charged at £25.00 per hour (provide estimate quoting likely amount before undertaking transcription work)
  • Cheques must be received before we release records, transcripts or tapes to the Claimant Solicitors.

If there are concerns regarding the requestors right to obtain the medical records, further identity checks should be made (i.e. if the patient is deceased, request the Grant of Probate and refer to Rachel Syed, In-house Legal Team for advice)

If the index request refers to ongoing or previous Coroner's Inquest, Criminal Investigations or proceedings commenced under the Children's Act, initial advice must be sought by Rachel Syed (In-house Legal Team) before any document are released (as we may need prior permission from the courts or a court order to deal with the request) .

It is extremely time-consuming for all concerned where an inaccurate date or location is provided. To avoid unnecessary delays occurring, please ensure accurate information is made available at the time of your initial approach. We will not be able to process any request where the requisite information is not made available.

Please apply to:

Legal Department
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Ladybridge Hall HQ
Chorley New Road
Bolton
BL1 5DD

T: 01204 498444

Interviews with staff

If a request is made to interview staff in relation to a clinical attendance, advice must be sought from Rachel Syed, In-house Legal team on how to manage the request.

If the request involves Children's Proceedings, Criminal Investigations or Coroners Inquests no fee should be levied (again initial advice must be sought from Rachel Syed, In-house Legal Team).

Interviews can be arranged, but please note the following:

  • Willingness to participate is a matter for the individual concerned.
  • Availability is subject to operational pressures
  • Interviews will be conducted at staff's base ambulance station.
  • A fee will be levied at £119.00 per hour in relation to attending paramedics and emergency medical technicians.
  • Where you are acting for a party other than the patient, we will not be able to provide you with any patient specific information without the signed consent of the patient. Please contact the patient, their solicitor or representative to obtain this before you write to our office.

These requests are likely to relate to civil proceedings and if any advice is required on how to manage these enquiries, please contact Rachel Syed, In-house Legal Team.

For further information, please contact:

Legal Department                
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Ladybridge Hall HQ
Chorley New Road
Bolton
BL1 5DD

T: 01204 498 444

Where legal action is intended

If legal action is intended against the Trust, please contact:

Legal Department                
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Ladybridge Hall HQ
Chorley New Road
Bolton
BL1 5DD

T: 01204 498 444