Freedom of Information (FOI)

You have the right to access your medical records held by the Royal Melbourne Hospital under the FOI Act.

What is Freedom of Information?

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1982 (Vic) gives you the right to access your medical records held by the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH). It also allows you to request for your records to be amended.

The RMH must provide you access to the records you request, unless they are fall within one of the ‘exemption’ categories in the FOI Act. If the RMH denies you access to any documents, it will explain the reasons and advise you of your review rights.

The RMH includes all Royal Melbourne Hospital sites - the RMH Parkville, the RMH Royal Park and the RMH Elizabeth St.

Refer to the Freedom of Information Part II Statement which outlines the functions, processes, and types of documents held by the RMH that are publicly available or available for access under the FOI Act.

What is in your medical record?

Your medical record includes health information collected during your inpatient, specialist clinics and/or emergency attendances. The information is used to assist in your ongoing care and treatment. The information includes details of current and past illnesses or injuries, operations performed, pathology results and medications taken and prescribed.

How do I apply?

Applications must be in writing to the RMH FOI service and can requested by:

Using the FOI application form (106KB - PDF document)
Submitting your request in writing by letter

The request must clearly describe which documents you wish to access. Applications must be accompanied by the application fee (listed below) and proof of identify (photo identification).

You may only obtain another person’s records if you have their written authority to do so. This may be written consent from the individual or other legal documents that support your request.

If the patient is deceased, the senior next of kin must provide written authorisation and provide evidence to demonstrate that they are the senior next of kin.

How much does it cost?

The cost involved will vary according to each request. In some instances the application fee may be waived if evidence of financial hardship, Health Care Card or Pension Card can be provided.

These fees are effective from 1 July 2022.

Fee type	Amount
Application fee	$30.60 (Non refundable)
Search and Retrieval fee (if applicable)	$22.50 per hour or part thereof
Supervision charges	$5.00 per quarter-hour or part thereof
Electronic copy (PDF copy)	$0.20 per page
Paper copy	$0.20 per page
Radiology images (via link)	$15.00 per link
Medical illustrations (USB)	$10.00 per USB
Postage charges	$11.00 when sent via registered mail
Concession	If you are the holder of a current Health Care/pension card, the application fee can be waved. In this circumstance, please send a copy of the entitlement card.
Appeal to Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal	Nil

How long does it take?

Once a valid application is received, the RMH has 30 days to inform you of a decision about your request. There may be circumstances where we need to consult with you to extend the 30 day period.

All outstanding charges relating to your request will need to be paid before the records are sent to you.

Accessing medical records for continuing care

Your doctor or specialist can request information directly form the Health information Services department if it is required for ongoing care. Refer to the Requesting Patient information section on the For GPs page for details.