Records Retention

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) was formed on 1 April 2020 following the merger of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and Weston Area Health NHS Trust. 


The information on this page is historic. Visit the UHBW what we do with your information page for the latest information. 

 

 

How long do we keep your records?

There is no single retention period which applies to all medical records. The Trust aims to comply with the Records Management Code of Practice

In general medical records are retained for eight years from data of discharge or end of care but some may be kept longer than that e.g. if there has been a serious incident. For a child the record will be kept until the 25th or 26th birthday depending on age when discharged / last seen.

 

 

Exceptions where records may be kept longer - up to 30 years or eight years after death include:

  • cancer / oncology records
  • long term illnesses
  • human fertilization and embryology - up to 50 years
  • mental health issues (20 years)
  • obstetric maternity and neo-natal - 25 years
  • participants in research studies

 

For full details please see the NHS Retention Schedule.