What is the duration for which health records must be retained according to the Health (Retention of Health Information) Regulations 1996?

The duration for which health records must be retained, according to the Health (Retention of Health Information) Regulations 1996, is ten years. This timeframe is established to ensure that health practitioners have access to important clinical information that may be relevant for ongoing care, as well as to protect the rights of patients who may need to access their health information for various purposes, such as legal claims or continuity of care.

Retaining records for a decade also aligns with various professional standards and guidelines to ensure accountability and maintain comprehensive patient records. This retention period is crucial for safeguarding patient privacy while also ensuring that health service providers can deliver informed care based on historical health data.