I want my records and I want them now!

Mr A was happy with his extensive treatment, including implants and crowns. He was leaving the area so could not return for routine care, even though he would have been happy to do so. He called at the practice asking for his dental records, particularly the radiographs and study models, which he wanted to take to a new dentist, once he had found one. The nurse was on her own that day as the dentists were on a training course and the other staff on holiday. Mr A asked for his records to take away immediately. The nurse was unsure of the patient's entitlement, and said that she didn't know whether giving Mr A his records would be possible. However, Mr A argued very strongly that, as he had paid for his treatment, then the records, and certainly the radiographs and models, were his property and he wanted them. The patient was not directly threatening to the nurse and remained polite, but was still intimidating. Mr A said he would use his solicitor to obtain them if the nurse would not hand them over. She reluctantly did so. Mr A thanked her, left and was not seen or heard from again.