A big thanks you to all those who responded. As requested, here is a brief summary of the responses received:
The Access to Health Records Act 1990 states that anyone with a just claim may have access to the notes i.e. next of kin, close relatives etc. Although the DP Act does not apply the DoH guidelines recommend that their rights of confidentiality to medical records should be equal to those of living individuals. The DoH guidance is useful - here is the link
http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/InformationPolicy/PatientConfidentialityAndCaldicottGuardians/AccessHealthRecordsArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4084411&chk=wsrEF9
There is some excellent guidance from Redcar and Cleveland Council prepared by Graham Hadfield who is happy for us to use as appropriate. Here is the link
http://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/YrCounc1.nsf/Web+Full+List/9C8F63BA27BA151880256E9A0049ABC4?OpenDocument
Susan Ferguson
Records Management Team Leader
South Tyneside Council, Westoe Road
South Shields, Tyne and Wear
NE33 2RL
Tel 0191-424 6539
Fax 0191-424 7002
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http://www.southtyneside.info
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