The NHS provides patients with secure online access to parts of their health record through the NHS App and other online services. GP practices now provide patients with online access to information added to their GP record.
If you are over 16 and have an online account through the NHS App, NHS website, or another online primary care service, you will now be able to view all future notes and health records from your doctor. Some people already have access to this feature, and this will not change for you.
This means you will be able to see notes from your appointments, test results, and any clinical letters uploaded to your records. This mainly applies to information recorded by the GP practice. Some hospital letters may also appear once they have been received and added to your record.
You will usually be able to see information added to your record from 31 October 2023 onwards. For most people, access will be automatic, and no further action is required.
Your GP may discuss test results with you before they appear online. They may also wish to speak with you before granting full access to ensure that viewing your records will be beneficial since your medical record can contain sensitive or personal information.
If you would like to request proxy access, or would like someone else to have access to your GP online services, please contact the surgery. You will need to complete a proxy access form and provide photo ID. The practice will review the request and confirm what level of access can be provided before setting this up, including obtaining the patient’s consent where appropriate.
GP surgeries have the right to refuse proxy access for any reason, if they think it would not be in someone’s best interests, even if they have requested it themselves.
The NHS App, website, and other online services are highly secure, so only you can access your information. However, it is essential to protect your login details. Do not share your password with anyone, as they could access your personal information.
If you do not want to view your health record, are concerned someone else could access your phone, or fear being forced to share your records, please let us know at the practice so we can take steps to keep you safe.
For more information about accessing your GP record online, please speak to the practice or watch the video below.
