Frequently Asked Questions

• Book a telephone consultation? – By clicking here or by ringing 01768-214345

• Book hospital transport? – Please ring 0800 032 3240

• Chase an appointment at the hospital? – Chase an appointment information

• Contact The Lakes Medical Practice? – You can do this by ringing 01768-214345 for reception, or by clicking this link for non medical queries

• Dental Emergency –  Click here for details

• Find The Lakes Medical Practice? – We are located on the A6, beside Penrith Hospital near Kemplay Bank Roundabout Map – The Lakes Medical Practice

• Find out when The Lakes Medical Practice is closed for training? – When we are closed

• Find out when The Lakes Medical Practice is open? – Opening times

• Get a sick note? – Sick note request

• Get help outside surgery hours? – Please ring 111 (111 is free to call from any UK landline or mobile)

• Get travel health advice? – Get travel advice

• Get travel vaccinations advice? – Travel vaccinations advice

• Pregnant – How do I contact a midwife? – Midwife Services

• Obtain test results? – Please ring the surgery after 10.30am for test results 01768-214345 or please help keep our phone lines clear you can make this request online via our “consult your doctor” online button on our website

• Order my prescription online? – Online Services

• Register with The Lakes Medical Practice? – New Patient Information

• See a Physio? – Physio – Self Referral

• See a Podiatrist? – Podiatry – Self Referral

• Online access, questions – Online Access details
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• I wish to access the records of a patient who has passed away, how can I do this?

The Access to Health Records Act 1990 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 ‘the patient’s personal representative and any person who may have a claim arising out of the patient’s death’.

You can obtain more information by visiting the Health Records pages NHSInform

Criteria for Access

The Access to Health Records Act, 1990 lays down strict guidance on what personal information can be provided to a third party regarding a deceased patient.  Our application form has therefore been designed to provide us with sufficient information to ensure that we only provide access to those who are legally entitled to receive this.

The 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 or administrator of the deceased person’s estate.
2. Any person who may have a claim arising out of the patient’s death.

If you meet the criteria outlined above and wish to access someone’s records you should complete the AHRA Access Application Form.

We would like to draw your attention to the following points:

• Next of kin have no automatic right of access to these records;
• Individuals meeting the criteria above will be required to provide proof, e.g., a copy of the will naming an executor or a letter from a solicitor regarding a claim;
• The Act only allows access to records recorded after 1 November 1991;
• You may not be able to see information which could cause serious harm to your physical or mental health, or anyone else’s;
• You may not be able to see information which could identify another person (except members of NHS staff who have treated the patient), unless that person gives their permission;
• You won’t be able to see the records of someone who made it clear that they didn’t want other people to see their records after their death.

Response time

We will deal with your request as quickly as possible.  If we have any problems getting your information, we will keep you up to date on our progress.

Points to consider

Accessing health records and information is an important matter.  Releasing information may in certain circumstances cause distress.  You may want to speak to an appropriate health professional before filling in the form.

If you would like to apply to obtain the records of a deceased patient, please request and access to health records form via the practice.