What is a health record?

A health record is comprised of:

• Personal information (e.g. name, date of birth, gender, address, and extended health insurance numbers); and
• Personal health information (e.g. health card number, information relating to previous health problems and diagnoses, record of hospital visits and what health care was provided during those visits).

Who manages my health record?

Health records at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) are managed by the Health Information Management (HIM) department. HIM staff oversee the collection, storage, retention and access to your hospital health records, as well as respect and maintain the confidentiality of your personal health information.

Health records at LHSC are stored in various ways, including electronically and on paper. The retention of them is governed by the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), which was enacted in Ontario in 2004.

How can I access my health record?

You have a right, by law, to view and/or request a copy of your own hospital health record.

Visit our Accessing a Health Record webpage for information on how to request a copy of your own health record or the health record of a loved one.