Accessing your GP-held records via the NHS app or NHS website
Your GP medical record is now accessible via the NHS App or the NHS website, this give you access to consultation notes based on conversations between you, your GP and their team: medicines prescribed to you; all test results including hospital investigations; allergies; vaccines; and your medical conditions along with documents that may have been sent from local hospitals, clinics or other agencies, eg the police.
We are supportive of providing you with access to your record, but we wish to do this safely and make you aware that this is happening so that you can opt out, if you so wish. You may wish to speak with us first to understand what it is that you will see, and the risks which may be involved in having such confidential data either on your smartphone with the NHS app installed or online if other people might have access to that information through your devices. If you are in a difficult or pressured relationship for example, you may prefer your records to remain accessible only to those treating you, with them not appearing on your smartphone or online. Government has been clear that if a patient does not wish to have access, then we do not have to provide it.
For those who would like access, we are happy to explain the different levels you might like. Everyone can have access to their medication history and allergies, for example, and will be able to order their repeat prescriptions. It’s also possible to request access to what we call your ‘coded record’ where you can see a list of medical problems and results. You can also request access to the ‘full’ record where you will be able to see everything, including the notes which have been written by doctors, nurses and others involved in your care, at the GP surgery, and elsewhere.
It’s important to remember that these documents may, at times, contain information that could be upsetting, especially if they contain news of a serious condition. It can also be a cause for worry seeing results online when it isn’t clear what the results might mean, and no one is available to ask, as can be the case during the evening or at weekends, for example.
Sometimes people with health conditions might prefer not to see documents that remind them of difficult times in their life. Letters from health teams sometimes go into detail about past events, and great care would be needed in deciding whether you would want to see these letters. It is possible for individual items to be hidden at your request and your GP would be happy to talk about any concerns you may have.
Great care is also needed in case private details might cause harm at home, should people in a difficult or pressured relationship be forced to show their medical record to an abusive partner. Anyone in such a position should make this clear to us at the practice, so we can take steps to keep you safe. This might mean removing access through the NHS app for the time being, or through a careful process where we hide sensitive things. We would talk this through with you.
If you are asking to see another adult’s record, for example someone you care for, we will need their permission unless you already have delegated responsibility for them under the Mental Capacity Act or are a parent/guardian with legal parental responsibility of a child under the age of 11 years.
Requesting access – what do I need to do?
The easiest way to get access is to create an NHS login through the NHS website and then downloading the NHS app to your smart phone. Although you can also access your GP records via the internet on a computer, the first bit is easiest if done through a smartphone. If you don’t have one, you may have a family member or friend you trust who can help you.
If you use the NHS app, you’ll have to set up an account using a unique e-mail address and then ‘authenticate’ yourself to the NHS system to prove you are who you say you are. Please beware that you must use an email address individual to you. This will involve confirming your name, date of birth and contact details. The NHS login has several levels of authentication and to gain access to your records you’ll need the highest level of authentication. This generally involves you recording a short video of yourself to prove you are a real person as well as uploading a copy of a suitable identification document. Your GP practice can bypass this step if you are struggling, but we’d ask you to try to sign up to the NHS app yourself. What you need to prove who you are.
Once you have suitably authenticated yourself to the NHS app and created your NHS login the practice will receive notification and will review your request. This will be passed to the clinical team to review. It may be that the practice wishes to contact you to discuss your request if there are any concerns raised so that access can be given safely. We will endeavour to process all requests within one calendar month.
You should be being mindful of the risks associated with access and the importance of not sharing passwords or having them stored in your smartphone if you think other people might want to see them without your permission. If you have any concerns, you should explain these to your GP practice team who can guide you.
Medical Records Access for Under 16’s
Unless a patient who is aged 11-16 has a documented reason for being unable to give consent (e.g. lack of capacity), we will always ask for their permission before granting their caregiver access to their medical records.
The easiest way to access Medical Records for Under 16’s who have consented (where applicable) is via the NHS App. Please complete registration for yourself and then request access to the U16’s record.
If your child has capacity to make this decision and does not choose to grant you access to their complete medical record, this is not something that we can force upon them.
Proxy Access
Access our page to read more about giving access of your medical record to others – Click here
Summary Care Record
If you’re registered with a GP surgery you’ll have a Summary Care Record, unless you’ve chosen not to have one. It contains basic information including your allergies and medicines. It also includes any previous reactions you’ve had to medicine.
Having this information in one place makes it easier for healthcare services to treat you in an emergency, or when the practice is closed. For example, A&E, Out of Hours providers, Ambulance Service.
Follow this link to the NHS website for more information on how to access your health records
GP2GP
GP2GP transfers electronic health records between a patient’s old and new practices. It is a direct, secure and quick way to send your medical records when you change GPs.
Find out more about GP2GP on the NHS Digital website
Your data matters to the NHS
Your health records contain a type of data called confidential patient information. This data can help with research and planning.
You can choose if you want to share your data. You can also choose for someone else, such as your children under 13.
Your choice will only apply to the health and care system in England. It will not apply to services you use in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Follow this link to find out how this data is used and how to opt out
Requesting a Change to Your Medical Record
Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the right to request that incorrect or incomplete information in your medical record is reviewed and, where appropriate, corrected.
If you receive a copy of your medical records and believe that something recorded about you is inaccurate, please contact the practice and let us know which part of the record you are concerned about and why.
Medical records are a clinical and legal document, so entries made by clinicians at the time of your consultation cannot usually be removed or deleted. However, we will review your request with the relevant clinician and may:
Correct or update the information if it is factually incorrect
Add additional information to clarify the record
Add a note to reflect your view if the clinician believes the original entry is accurate
To request a review, please complete the form below or contact the practice in writing with details of the information you believe is incorrect.
Please include:
Your full name, date of birth and contact details
The specific part of the record you believe is incorrect
The reason you believe the information should be amended
Any supporting information if available
