Give Next of Kin Named on Death Certificate Automatic Access to Medical Records

246
signatures
closedDepartment of Health and Social CareOpened 16 December 2025Closed 16 June 2026

Background

Amend the Access to Health Records Act 1990 so that the next of kin named on the death certificate has the legal right to access the deceased person’s full medical records, without needing to be the executor, administrator of the estate, or prove a legal claim. Families deserve peace of mind.

Additional details

This would increase families' peace of mind and help them understand circumstances surrounding a death, reduce unnecessary legal and administrative obstacles during mourning, help to improve accountability and openness in healthcare and ensure that next of kin have the information they feel they need.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 750674.