How can I access a child’s patient record?
Consent must be given by the patient if they are 12 years of age or older. Parental or guardian consent is accepted if the patient is less than 12 years old, or is incapable of consenting. If there is a conflict between the child and the parent or guardian, the capable child’s decision will prevail.
If your child is 12 years or older and can provide consent, please have them sign the Consent for Release of Personal Health Information form.
If your child is less than 12 years old, or is incapable of consenting, please have a parent or guardian sign the Consent for Release of Personal Health Information form.
I need to access a deceased patient’s records. What legal documents am I required to submit?
To release the personal health information of a deceased patient, LHSC must receive either:
- A copy of the patient’s Will from the Executor(s) of the estate (If no Will exists, please provide a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee or an Administrator of Estate letter); OR
- A letter notarized by a lawyer that confirms you are the deceased patient’s legal signing authority.
What happens if I need to access the record of a patient who is incapable of giving consent?
If an adult patient is incapable of giving consent, any of the following representatives may provide authorization on the patient’s behalf if it is in the patient’s best interests:
- Power of Attorney (when records are required for financial or legal matters)
- Litigation Guardian (when records are required for litigation)
If one of these describes you, please follow the instructions under “Requesting a copy of someone else’s patient record” on our Accessing Your Health Information page.
If the patient incapable of consenting is your child, please see the “How can I access my child’s patient record?” answer above.
How do I request a birth, death or hospital admission letter or certificate?
For birth, death or hospital admission letters, please follow the steps for “Requesting a copy of your patient record” or “Requesting a copy of someone else’s patient record” on our Accessing Your Health Information page. Be sure to state which document you need on the consent form, submit the required documentation and pay the processing fee.
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) does not issue birth or death certificates, as these are done by Service Ontario. Learn more here:
What happens if I can no longer pick up the patient record I requested?
Please contact our Release of Information office to make other arrangements. Documents not picked up will be safely destroyed after three months.
I have a question about patient records that is not answered on your website. How can I speak to someone?
Release of Personal Health Information specialists are available Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. by calling 519-685-8500 Extension. 52865. They can also be reached by emailing roi_lhsc@lhsc.on.ca
