Rehousing Letter Request

Medical Reports to Housing Departments

 Thank you for asking me to help you by supplying a medical report about you. In the first instance you will need to complete a self-assessment form and this is usually all that is necessary. This form is available from the both Council (Local Authority) and Housing Associations. This form is commonly known as a Housing Medical Assessment Form or a Medical Form. These forms are part of official housing provider processes to assess your housing needs. You can request a copy of your medical summary from us to confirm what you disclose about your health on this form.

 If your housing provider needs any further information about you they may then request to see confidential information from your medical records.

 The Local Medical Committee, which represents all NHS general practitioners in the area, has made it clear to the relevant local authorities that GPs will only supply confidential medical information directly to the Medical Officer/Assessor when asked to do so by the provided that the patient (or the patient's legal representative) has given written consent.

 Your housing provider should therefore contact you asking you or your legal representative to complete a consent form. Once this has been received they will then write directly to your GP enclosing the written consent and asking your GP to supply confidential medical information which may be all or part of the medical record.

 There is therefore no need for you to provide the medical report or to ask your GP to provide it. If you are experiencing difficulties because of your refusal to supply a report, do not hesitate to show this letter to the Local Authority housing team or Housing Association.