how to get medical records / birth records??

does anyone know the process one would have to go through to obtain birth/hospital records?

also....

if anyone has obtained theres from WESTMEAD HOSPITAL could you PM me and tell me the process

TIA
Kathryne

I've just applied for mine. I needed to complete s freedom of information form and submit it to hospital records dept.

Call your hospital and ask them

I have just recieved mine. I needed to fill out "a release/freedom of information" form and it took about 4 weeks to to be sent to me. I contacted the hospital I gave birth at and they told me the process. So best bet is to give them a call as I would think some hospitals may have a different process.

Loula exactly what did you have to put on the form to get the full records? I have downloaded the form off the monash website but I want to make sure I get a copy of everything not just bits and pieces so want to make sure the wording is right.

Hi mate. I ask for files from medical records at Westmead regularly for work. They are very friendly, so if it were me I'd just call them.
You will probably have to fill in a form and you may need to pay about $30.
They may want you to sit in the office to read it - you may not be able to get copies to take away.
Just give them a call and ask them what the process is - I'm sure they will be helpful.

A word to the wise - ask for your baby's records as well as your own. I found there were gaps in my info that were addressed in DD's notes.

I have only asked for Brendan's discharge summary and all I did was post a letter with a copy of HIS birth certificate MY birth certificate AND drivers licence and had all the copies signed by a JP. However we lived about 8 hours from the hospital and this was 3 years ago now (KEMH - Perth) I'm thinking of getting Tristan's too, it really helped me with questions I had on Brendan.

I've been meaning to get my notes from DS birth for years now, and keep forgetting! Glad I found this thread.

GL Katones.

thanks girls shall do it when i come back from holidays :) am off for another week when i get back so shall organize things then