Accessing birth/medical records??? how???

Not sure if this is in the right place but...does anyone know how I can access my medical records from the hospital.

I didn't have a traumatic birth but was induced and one of the midwives didn't follow procedure in terms of administering synto (dr backed this up) and I believe that this almost led me to needing much more intervention. I had been in labour for 33hours before the dr was called as I wasn't coping and not dialating.

Dr cranked the synto and I went from 2cm to 10cm in 1.5 hours and another 10 mins 2nd stage. Dr was questioning midwife and her notes whilst I was in labour and I felt like I was loosing control of the situation as I hadn't slept for about 40 hours and I wanted to do this drug free (well pain relief free).

I had also had an ARM so was looking at about another 12 hours max to birth this baby before the 48hrs were up. I felt pressured and frustrated as my first birth which was also induced only lasted 9 hours from drip in to end and active labour was only 4.5hours.

I'm just interested in the info which is there, not considering any complaints or anything, so if you can help.

Btw - i'm in NSW if that makes a difference.

You need to put a request in through "Freedom of Information". Most hospitals have a FOI person who can let you know what you have to do to apply.

I got the records my my previous two births.

I called the hospital and was put through to a lady who sent me a form to complete. I filled out the form with what records I was requesting and posted it back to them. I received all the records I wanted and was really quick too. Small hospital so was probably pretty easy for them to find.

You shouldnt have any probs getting the info I wouldnt think.

Awesome! Thanks guys, just called the hospital and they are sending the forms out now.

:):):)

Now just another silly question about the records. I received the forms but it says I need to clearly describe the documents required then says

"please note: as a matter of routine, information such as medication charts and observation charts are not copied unless they are specifically requested."

I dont care about medication charts as I had minimal, but is your labour considered as 'observation charts? Also do they copy CTG results as well - as I probably had about 24 hours worth done - so heaps?

Anything else I should be asking for?

Thanks in advance

Anyone? Please

yes I would also specifically ask for the observation charts- as this is also a form of observation IYKWIM?

thank em.. yeah I get that

Would Syntocinon not fall into the realm of medication? I'd get that chart as well just in case as it should have the dosages of synto you were given at what times as this seems pertinent to your query.

oh yeah - thanks heaps.

With these things I think it's best to ask for everything, and then get material that you might not have needed / wanted. Otherwise you might have to go through all of this again when you find out something is missing which would be annoying.

Are you asking to view your records at the hospital, or are they copying what you request and sending it to you?

I was able to view my entire file at the hospital (although the health care professionals have the right to remove certain things) and then choose if i wanted copies of all or part of the file. This allowed me to see what was there first, know what i wanted and what was not worth paying to be copied. Have you been offered this as an option?

Just wanted to ask a questions ladies - Are you able to access your records even if you had a "normal" birth experience?? - My birth was fine with no hiccups or anything untoward, but i'd just like to see the records as a matter of curiosity :redface: :D

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Just wanted to ask a questions ladies - Are you able to access your records even if you had a "normal" birth experience?? - My birth was fine with no hiccups or anything untoward, but i'd just like to see the records as a matter of curiosity :redface: :D

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Yep, through Freedom of Information you have access to your medical records (for whatever reason). There can be a cost involved in accessing the records, but it shouldn't be too excessive.

your observation chart is your general ob's eg/ blood pressure, pulse, temp, resp rate,

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Yep, through Freedom of Information you have access to your medical records (for whatever reason). There can be a cost involved in accessing the records, but it shouldn't be too excessive.

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Thanks Kate :)

Thanks Kate,

I'd love to be able to view them then request what I want but I now live 5 hours away and that's not possible. I've asked for details of births, including all medical interventions, observation charts, medication charts including synto doses and times, and CTG monitoring for the last 12 hours of DS birth. Prior to that was "prelabour" and won't be very exciting.

Is there anything else I need to ask for?

maybe stipulate drs notes
sometimes these get written in a different section and are left out.

also you can request through your gp for all these files for future reference.