- Where legal action is not being taken against the Trust– accessing medical records and interviewing staff
Where legal action is not being taken against the Trust
The following applies where the matter in question does not involve the Trust:
Access to call records and medical records
When applying for a patient’s medical records, please provide the following:
- A written form of authority signed by the client;
- The patient’s name, time and date of incident, exact location of incident, hospital conveyed to (if any) and any further information which may assist in the retrieval of the record;
- Payment of £10.00 (all cheques should be made payable to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service).
- Ensure the NIAS Reference number is quoted in any subsequent correspondence.
All requests are processed under the remit of the Data Protection Act 1998 and/or Access to Health Records (NI) Order 1993 therefore your request will only be processed when all the information above is provided i.e. written form of authority, patient and incident details and the payment.
It is extremely time-consuming for all concerned where an inaccurate date or location is provided. Unfortunately this is a regular occurrence with requests we received. To avoid unnecessary delays occurring, please ensure accurate information is made available at the time of your initial approach. We will not be able to process any request where the requisite information is not made available.
Please apply to:
Corporate Manager
Information Department
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HSC Trust
Headquarters, Site 30
Knockbracken Healthcare Park
Saintfield Road
BELFAST
BT8 8SG
Requests for Court statements
We are often asked to provide a witness statement to confirm authenticity of the records held by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HSC Trust by solicitors and the police so that the records can be admitted in the appropriate form for Court proceedings.
It is understood that the signatory may then be called as a witness to the Court. However, the signatories will be acting in an administrative capacity and may not have any knowledge of the issues pertinent to the court proceedings or be able to provide expert opinion on the contents of the records. They will therefore sign the statements to this effect.
Interviews with Staff
In the majority of cases, provisions of the documentary records we hold usually prove sufficient for solicitors’ purposes. However, where an interview with the ambulance crew may be necessary, please contact the Information Department to discuss your requirements in the first instance.
Interviews can be arranged, but please note the following:
- Willingness to participate is a matter for the individual concerned. Please bear in mind that staff may not recall more than they recorded in the assessment record, especially where a significant amount of time has elapsed since the incident in question.
- Availability is subject to operational pressures
- Where you are acting for a party other than the patient, we will not be able to provide you with any patient specific information without the signed consent of the patient. Please contact the patient, their solicitor or representative to obtain this before you write to our office.
For further information, please contact:
Corporate Manager
Information Department
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HSC Trust
Telephone No: (028) 9040 0710
Fax No: (028) 9040 0908
Email: solicitorenquiries@nias.hscni.net
Witness Questions
Experience has shown that it may be more convenient, cost effective and less time-consuming for staff to answer a number of questions rather than conduct face-to-face interviews. We suggest that the questions should be of a reasonable length i.e.: up to 3 questions specific to the incident.
Where legal action is intended
If legal action is intended against the Trust, please contact:
Legal Services Department
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HSC Trust
Headquarters, Site 30
Knockbracken Healthcare Park
Saintfield Road
BELFAST
BT8 8SG