Rules about the records you can see (access restrictions)
When you search for records in our catalogues we will tell you if there any rules about looking at a copy.
We call this an access restriction.
These rules will mostly apply if you want to get:
- Information about yourself - To do this you will need to make a request and prove your identity. This is called a subject access request. If you want to access medical and social care information about yourself you will also need to make a request and prove your identity. This is called an Access to Personal Health Records request.
- Adoption information - about yourself or family members.
- Medical or social care information - about someone who has died. Usually we won’t release information about someone until 100 years after their death
If you need to access records for legal or academic reasons you can get in touch with us and we can provide advice.