Patient Access Request
Summary
A Subject Access Request (SAR) is a request to an organisation (under the Data Protection Act 2018) for a copy of personal data held by that organisation.
Is there a fee for submitting a Subject Access Request?
No. However, the Trust can charge a ‘reasonable fee’ when the request is deemed ‘manifestly unfounded or excessive’ or if it is repetitive. Fees will be based on administrative costs of providing the information.
How long does the Trust have to disclose?
The trust must respond to your request within one month (unless advised otherwise by court order). The timescale for responding to a SAR does not begin until we have received satisfactory identification.
If clarification is required, or you have made a number of requests or your request is complex, the Trust may need extra time to consider your request and this can take up to an extra two months to respond. If this is the case the Trust will inform you within one month and explain why the extension is necessary.
Will I always receive everything I asked for?
Not always. The amount of information you receive depends on the circumstances of the request. You may receive only part of the information you have requested, or none at all. In such cases, the Trust will inform you within one month and explain the reason.
Will I always receive full disclosure electronically through this portal?
Not always. The disclosure will depend on the information you request. You may receive information via this portal, paper (via Royal Mail) and Image Exchange Portal (IEP). In such cases, the Trust will inform you upon disclosure on how you will receive full disclosure.
Will I need to provide identification?
Identification checks are required by the Trust for security, this is to protect personal data from unauthorised access.
For personal requests, you must provide two forms of identification; 1 to confirm your identity (Passport, Driving licence, National Identity card), and 1 to confirm your current address (Utility bill, local authority council tax bill, bank or credit card statement).
A request on behalf of someone (living or deceased) you must provide your identification and one of the following:
| Request on behalf of: | Document required |
| Child or young person | Copy of the child's full birth certificate |
| Deceased patient | Copy of the Will stating that you are the executor of the deceased's estate; or
|
| Living patient | Signed letter of consent from the patient that confirms authorisation to act on their behalf; or
|
Contact details
For further queries please contact the Trust using the information below
Subject Access Request Department Tel: 01892 638895 Email: mtw-tr.SAR@nhs.net Opening hours: 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday (excluding English bank holidays) | Legal Services Department Tel: 01892 634049/634430/638973 Email: mtw-tr.legalservices@nhs.net Opening hours: 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday (excluding English bank holidays) |
Further information
Visit Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells website Your information