Health Records

Hours

Monday – Friday 8am to 4pm
Closed on Weekends and Statutory Holidays
(807) 274-4809

More Information

How do I get a copy of my health records?
If you were a patient at Riverside Health Care you can receive a copy of your health records by submitting a written request to the hospital where you were treated (La Verendrye General Hospital, Emo Health Centre, Rainy River Health Centre). The written request for health records must include your name, date of birth and mailing address, as well as the type of information you need. The request must be dated. Alternatively, you may download the appropirate request/authorization forms: 

• Request for Access to Personal Health Records
• Consent to Disclose Personal Health Information
• Administrator-to-Administrator Request Form

Mail the form back to the hospital where you were treated:

• La Verendrye General Hospital
  110 Victoria Ave
  Fort Frances, ON P9A 2B7
• Emo Health Centre
  Box 390
  170 Front St.
  Emo, ON P0W 1E0
• Rainy River Health Centre
  115 Fourth St.
  Rainy River, ON P0W 1L0

Please Note: Health Record Services requires the original signed authorization form in order to complete your request. There is an administrative cost for non-medical requests. A pre-payment fee must be submitted with your written request. For a list of costs, download the Fact Sheet for Release of Information.

What should the request include?
The written request for health records must include your name, date of birth and mailing address as well as the type of information you need. The request must be dated, witnessed and signed by one other person.

Will the hospital have all of my records on file?
Riverside Health Care retains and manages patient records according to government legislation and the corporation by-laws. This means the hospital may only maintain some of your records.

What happens if I want my records released to another individual?
Whether you want your records released to a relative, friend, family doctor or another institution, you must submit a signed consent giving the hospital authorization to release your information. The consent is valid for 90 days and it must be dated and witnessed.

Do I need parental consent if I am a youth?
Yes. If you want your health records released and you are not at least 16 years old, you must have a parent or legal guardian submit the request on your behalf.  What happens if I am inquiring about records of a deceased patient? To obtain records for individuals who are deceased or incapable of signing a consent,  proof of executorship or legal signing authority must be submitted with the request.

How do I go about requesting birth information?
If you are looking for your birth information (e.g. proof of birth, time of birth) please submit a written request that includes your mother’s full name at the time of your birth.

Does it cost me anything to request medical information?
There is an administrative cost for non-medical requests. A pre-payment fee must be submitted with your written request. For further information, see the Fact Sheet for Release of Information.