What are health records?

Your health records may be in an electronic system, in a paper file or a mix of both and may include:

  • test results, x-rays and scans
  • diagnosis and treatments
  • reports and letters from doctors and specialists
  • medical, nursing and allied health notes.

We update your details each time you visit a hospital or health facility.

Your records are private and confidential.

How to access your health records

Your health records belong to the hospital or health centre that has them, but you can look at them or apply for a copy.

Apply for a copy of your records

You can apply for a copy of your health records by filling in our administrative access application form [PDF 165.16 KB]. Send us the form with proof of your identity, or give it to the main service desk at the hospital that treated you.

You'll need to include a certified copy of one of the following documents:

  • passport
  • driver licence
  • adult proof of age card.

If you don't have any of these identity documents, talk to our Release of Information unit. We may be able to accept a certified copy of another document.

Release of Information unit

We'll try to process your request in 25 working days.

If some of the information we have about you is wrong, you can ask us to fix it. Use the personal information amendment application form on the Right to Information website.

You can also ask the Right to Information Officer at the hospital that treated you for a copy of the form. Email it to the hospital that treated you.

It's free to access your health record or change your personal information.

If we can't release your records, we'll tell you why.

How to access someone else’s health records

Use the steps above to access someone else's health records. You’ll also need to include a certified copy of their proof of identity and their written permission. It must be an original document and they'll need to sign and date it. You may need to give us more information.

If you can’t get their consent, you'll need to make a Right to Information request.

Accessing prison health records

You can access your prison health record by filling in the prison health record application form [PDF 112 KB] and emailing it to prisonhs@health.qld.gov.au. You can also use this form if you’re requesting access for someone else.

Sharing your records with your GP

After you've been in hospital, your GP may want to see your hospital records, scans, test results and other records. They use these for your ongoing care and treatment.

GPs can register to have online access to medical records and patient information from Queensland Health systems.

These may include:

  • pathology and radiology results
  • medications
  • allergies and alerts
  • care plans and discharge summaries.

If you don’t want your GP to access your information, you can opt out online or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

Australian Government My Health Record

You may be able to see your discharge summary, pathology reports and x-ray reports online if you've:

  • had a recent hospital stay
  • set up your My Health Record.

My Health Record is a safe and secure place to keep your health information.  You and your healthcare providers can access it at any time, including in an emergency.

Sign in to your myGov account to manage your My Health Record.

You can learn more about My Health Record on the Australian Digital Health Agency website.

Last updated: October 2024