Subject Access Requests (SARs)
SAR - The right of access
Individuals have the right to obtain a copy of their personal data. This is called the right of access and is also known as making a subject access request, a SAR.
As such, you have the right:
- To confirmation that we are processing your personal information
- To a copy of your personal information we are holding and/or processing
Anyone can make a SAR. You don’t need a solicitor or a lawyer. In most cases we will try to respond to a SAR within 28 days.
Requests on behalf of someone else (living)
If you’re making the request on behalf of someone else, we need to know who they are and their contact details. You also need to give us proof of your authority to act on their behalf. For example, the relevant copy of the approved Power of Attorney form. It will help us to respond promptly if you complete our ‘SAR request form - Asking for copies of your data (living)' form.
Information on your record about other people and/or 3rd parties
You can ask for all the information that we hold about you. However, this doesn’t mean you will get all the information held. Responding to a SAR may involve information about other people/3rd parties.
Organisations must respect your right to get copies of your information. However, they must also protect other people's rights over their information. This means that if another person's information is included in the requested documents, then we may redact it.
Requesting information about the deceased
The Access to Health Records Act gives certain people a right to see the health records of somebody who has died.
These people are defined under section 3(1) (f) of that Act as:
1. The patient’s personal representative. This will be the executor/administrator of the deceased person’s estate.
2. Any person who may have a claim arising out of the patient’s death.
Next of kin have no automatic right of access to these records. Individuals meeting the criteria above will be required to provide proof (as per our ‘SAR request form - Access to health and care records of deceased people’ form below )
Helping us to help you
You might get a lot of information back that you don't actually need. When asking for information, be as specific as possible. This may help you to get the fastest possible reply and more useful information back.
How do I send my subject access request?
You can make requests by post or phone, but the easiest way is to email Tara Schrikker, Registered Manager / Associate Director for Quality & Governance via stwh.spcreferrals@nhs.net
Address: Registered Manager, St Wilfrid’s Hospice, 1 Broadwater Way, Eastbourne, BN22 9PZ
Note: Although not mandatory, it may help speed up your SAR request if you download and complete the appropriate form (below) so that we have all the necessary information to answer your specific request.
A copy of our Subject Access Policy & Procedure is available on request.
Useful information on making a SAR is available on the Information Commissioner's Office website.
