Overview
PCSE receive requests from a range of individuals and organisations to access demographic information including last known GP Practice.
As the data holder for NHS England, PCSE must ensure that the requestor has valid and reasonable grounds on which to make a request for the information.
Upon receipt of a valid request, PCSE must process the application and provide the applicant with the information they require.
All Information Services requests, including Coroners requests, Police requests and Charity missing persons requests, can now be submitted via our dedicated enquiry form below.
Questions about the process
What happens next?
- We will review your application in accordance with NHS information disclosure guidelines
- If any further information or documentation is required, we will contact you to request this
- Upon receipt of a complete request, a decision on disclosure will made, and one of three actions will be taken:
- the requested information may be disclosed to you via secure email,
- the requested information may be declined if this does not meet disclosure criteria
- or in some circumstances your request may be forwarded to the current registered GP of the patient for them to review your request and respond directly.
- Your request will be complete
You can find out more about access NHS England encrypted emails here.
What information do I need to provide?
With any request, the applicant will need to provide details about the patient whose record they are submitting a request for, such as the patient's name and date of birth. Their NHS number and address should also be provided if known.
The applicant will also need to tell us the reason for the request, for example, safeguarding, patient care, investigation etc.
If required, the applicant will need to attach the relevant supporting evidence with their application, for example:
- Solicitors on behalf of the data subject – a statement confirming that you have undertaken the necessary ID checks. Where completing the online form, please attach this statement in place of the verification documents
Member of public - 1 form of address, 1 form of ID proof as detailed here
- Police Investigation – DPA form with offence detailed, signed by requesting officer and counter-signed by senior officer Detective Inspector or above
How long will it take?
Please note that information requests must comply with the appropriate legislation and can take up 5 working days to process.
Who makes a request for information?
You can find out more about who makes a request for information here.
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