The Royal Women's Hospital has obstetric medical records dating back to 1960 and gynaecology records from 1968 onwards.
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Available records
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Prior to 1960 minimal birth details (for example, time of birth, weight and length) is available from Birth Registers. Recently accessed records are stored in Health Information Services or in a secondary storage area at the hospital.
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Older records are stored either in paper format in a tertiary storage area off site or on microfiche/microfilm.
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Freedom of Information requests
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Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982, the public can access both their medical records and those of relatives.
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Requests for information may include:
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- Copies of medical records
- Summaries of medical records
- Time of Birth
- Blood group
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All requests must be received in writing and must include appropriate identification.
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Charges associated with requests include:
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- $24.40 Application Fee
- $20.00 Search Fee
- $35 Search Fee for Microfilm and Microfiche records (records between 1970 - 1995)
- 20 cents per page Photocopying charge
- $5.00 Postage (Registered) / Overseas (Registered) $20.70
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The application fee is only waived for applicants who can provide a photocopy of their certified Social Security card (ie. Pension or Healthcare card).
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Following the requirements of the FOI Act, requests will receive attention as soon as possible but not later than 45 days.
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