The Freedom of Information Act 2014 gives you the right to access your records that we hold.
You can request any personal records the HSE holds about you from any time.
A parent or legal guardian can request records related to a child under 18.
All requests are subject to exemptions and restrictions. You can request any non-personal records created after 21 April 1998, when the original FOI Act came into effect.
Non-personal requests are formal applications for records held by public hospitals rather than someone's private medical records. These types of requests are often made by journalists or political representatives.
Voluntary hospitals
Most hospitals are owned and run directly by the HSE. But voluntary hospitals are different. They are independent organisations.
They manage FOI requests separately. If you are requesting records from a voluntary hospital, contact the hospital directly.
Voluntary hospitals - foi.gov.ie
How to make a request
You can make an FOI request by:
- emailing us
- filling in a form
What to include in your request
Your request must:
- say that you are making the request under the FOI Act
- describe the records you are looking for
- include your name and contact details
If you are requesting personal information, provide proof of identity, for example, a copy or photo of your passport or driving licence.
If you are requesting on behalf of a child, you must include proof of parental or guardianship responsibility, such as:
- a birth certificate
- adoption papers
- a court order
- a joint statutory declaration
If you are requesting on behalf of someone else, you must include evidence of consent or authority to act on their behalf.
Making your request by email
The quickest way to make a request is by email.
You can copy and paste this template into your email:
[START EMAIL TEMPLATE]
Subject: Freedom of Information request
To whom it may concern,
I am making this request under the Freedom of Information Act 2014.
I would like to access the following records:
(Describe the records you are looking for. Be as specific as possible, including dates, topics or locations.)
My contact details are:
Name:
Email:
Phone:
[END EMAIL TEMPLATE]
You can email the relevant Regional FOI Office.
Making your request using a form
If you prefer to use a form, you can download it here.
FOI request form (PDF, 149 KB, 1 page)
Email your completed form to the relevant Regional FOI Office.