What are health records?

Health records may include:

  • test results, x-rays and scans
  • diagnosis and treatments
  • reports and letters from doctors and specialists
  • surgical, nursing and allied health notes.

We update your child's details each time they go to hospital or another Children’s Health Queensland facility. Their records are private and confidential and can be kept in an electronic system, in a paper file or both.

How to access your child's health record

There are 2 ways you can request access to your child’s health record.

  1. Make an Information Privacy Application or under Administrative Access.
  2. Email your request to the Health Information Access Unit for a summary of clinical information to be sent to your GP.

You can also find a summary of clinical information on your child’s My Health Record.

Make a formal Information Privacy Application or Administrative Access Application

There's a formal process you must use to apply for your child's information.

1. Application form

Download and fill in the Right to Information application form on the Queensland Government’s SmartService website.

2. Supporting applications

Include the following documents with your application.

  • Certified copy of your approved identity document
  • Certified copy of your child's full birth certificate
  • Written statement declaring that you're the child's guardian
  • Copy of any court orders for guardianship or access rights of the child (if applicable)

3. Submit your application

Send the completed form and your documents.

By email
CHQ_HIA@health.qld.gov.au

By post
Health Information Access
Health Information Services
Queensland Children's Hospital
PO Box 3474
South Brisbane QLD 4101

Read more about the Information Privacy process.

What happens next

We'll decide if we can give you access to your child's health record under the Information Privacy Act 2009. This may take up to 25 business days. We'll let you know if we need more time to process your application.

If we can't give you access

If we can't give you access to your child's information, we'll give you a decision notice explaining why. We'll also tell you how you can ask for our decision to be reviewed if you don't agree with it.

Read more about your review rights on the Office of the Information Commissioner Queensland website.

Australian Government My Health Record

Your child will also have a My Health Record. This is a safe and secure place to keep your child's health information, and includes their:

  • allergies
  • medical conditions and treatments
  • test and scan reports
  • medicines list
  • advance care planning documents.

This is a national system so if you move interstate, see different healthcare providers, or go to emergency, your child's health information is always available.

Find out how to access or set up your child's My Health Record on the Australian Digital Health Agency website.

What information can my child’s care team provide?

Your child’s clinical team can share information with you about your child’s current care or admission including:

  • test results
  • x-rays and scans
  • discharge summaries.

Contact us

Contact us if you'd like more information about making an information privacy request or if you need help filling in the application form.

Health Information Services

Last updated: December 2023