7. To record all actions on an Access Record Form, regularly monitoring the progress
of all ongoing cases to ensure outstanding responses are chased up and deadlines
for completion are not exceeded. Liaising with health care professionals and their
secretaries at this Trust, other hospitals, PCT’s and GP surgeries, plus other staff in
Local Councils and the Coroner’s Office as required.
8. To identify and report to the Head of Health Records any cases where the deadline
is likely to be exceeded, and contact the applicant by telephone or in writing to
update them of the situation.
9. To undertake Access Interviews with applicants and other healthcare professionals
where relevant, making the necessary arrangements, including booking rooms at
the NNUH if required and confirm all details with the applicant.
10. To access PAS, A&E Symphony and Web-ICE as required to check, locate and
supply patient records and reports.
11. To photocopy and send relevant information from the medical records to the
applicant, checking to ensure the information relates to the applicant and that no
records from any third parties are released, unless their permission has been
obtained, in line with Trust Policy and legal requirements.
12. To accurately record details of the information disclosed to applicants on completion
of each access request, calculate the relevant charges and collect payment from
the applicant before the information can be released. To report all problems with
non - payment to the Head of Health Records.
13. To ensure the Access Register is updated on completion of each access and that
an accurate record is maintained of the access details, relevant charges and
payments received for audit purposes.
14. To confer, when necessary with the Head of Health Records for guidance on
handling complex access cases or advice on the disclosure of information or any
other aspects of the access process.
15. Provide regular feedback on progress of ongoing cases and supply any ad hoc
reports to the Head of Health Records as required. To produce an annual summary
report of all access requests received, demonstrating compliance with the legal
deadlines.
16. To notify the Head of Health Records of any potential complaints against the Trust
and liaise with PALS/Legal Department regarding non–complaint cases when
applicants request additional advice following their access.
17. To maintain an effective filing system for all access documentation and ensure
records are retained for the required 2-year period. Arrange for the confidential
disposal of records as directed by the Head of Health Records.
18. To communicate with applicants on the telephone, by e-mail and occasionally face
to face, managing aggressive, angry, confused, distressed and emotional people in
a pleasant, efficient, calm manner.
19. Frequent bending, lifting and transportation of heavy, bulky case notes (average
weight of case notes handled is 17 kilos) throughout the day.