When a practice is disposed of, the doctor disposing of the practice should make reasonable efforts to ensure the maintenance of the records eg: by providing the records to the patient to whom they relate. The records may also be provided to another doctor identified by the patient at the request of the patient.
Unfortunately, there is no easy solution to the problem that arises when a doctor in solo practice dies suddenly (or leaves the practice without handover arrangements). Technically, his or her estate is liable for the safe-keeping of records, but in the turmoil of the circumstances, the family may not be able to handle such matters efficiently. Patients involved in such a situation should approach the estate and ask for the records to be sent to another doctor.