Online Access

Patients can utilise a variety of online access providers (e.g. NHS App) to undertake the following

• Book and Cancel Appointments
• Order Repeat Medications
• View Test Results
• View Medical Records

Patients should create an NHS Login online which will allow them to access their chosen online access provider.

Patients will be able to view their Prospective medical record once the app is created – meaning that you will be able to see what’s in your medical record after the date of activation. You will not be able to see your historic medical records

(Please note that in certain circumstances patient access to their medical record may be withheld or restricted where potentially sensitive, or harmful, information may be held within the record. If you cannot see your medical records created after activation then please contact the practice.)

Proxy Access For Adults

If someone you know needs help with their healthcare, you can ask for secure access to their GP services. You may be able to order medication, book appointments, or use other online GP services on their behalf, if the GP surgery thinks it is appropriate. This is sometimes called having proxy access.

You will need to use your NHS login. If you do not have one yet, you can set one up as part of your application.

You must be aged 16 or over to apply for proxy access.

Use this service if the person you want to help:

• wants you to ask for access on their behalf
• is registered at the same GP surgery as you
• is aged 16 or over
• can understand and agree to giving you access – the GP surgery will check this

Do not use this service if:

• they have a condition that means they cannot understand or agree to giving you access
• you are their paid carer or work at their care home

Click to apply for access to another patients GP Services

Proxy Access For Children

For children Under 13, proxy access may be given to a parent. Access will be granted up to the childs’ 13th birthday.

For Children aged 13 – 15 the child themselves may have their own online access, or will need to authorise a proxy user (such as a parent) to access their medical records. Forms can be requested from the practice for this purpose.

All patients aged 16 and over should have their own online access excepting where medical reasons may restrict this. Please contact the practice if under these circumstances if you still wish to have proxy access to another patient for further advice on options.

Important Information about online access

If you wish to, you can now use the internet (via computer or mobile app) to book appointments with a GP, request repeat prescriptions for any medications you take regularly and look at your medical record online. You can also still use the telephone or call in to the surgery for any of these services as well. It’s your choice.

It will be your responsibility to keep your login details and password safe and secure. If you know or suspect that your record has been accessed by someone that you have not agreed should see it, then you should change your password immediately. If you are unable to do this for some reason, we recommend that you contact the practice so that they can remove online access until you are able to reset your password.

If you print out any information from your record, it is also your responsibility to keep this secure. If you are at all worried about keeping printed copies safe, we recommend that you do not make copies at all.

During the working day it is sometimes necessary for practice staff to input into your record, for example, to attach a document that has been received, or update your information. Therefore you will notice admin/reception staff names alongside some of your medical information – this is quite normal.

The definition of a full medical record is all the information that is held in a patient’s record; this includes letters, documents, and any free text which has been added by practice staff, usually the GP. The coded record is all the information that is in the record in coded form, such as diagnoses, signs and symptoms (such as coughing, headache etc.) but excludes letters, documents and free text.

Before you apply for online access to your record, there are some other things to consider. Although the chances of any of these things happening are very small, you will be asked that you have read and understood the following before you are given login details.

Forgotten history
There may be something you have forgotten about in your record that you might find upsetting.
Abnormal results or bad news
If your GP has given you access to test results or letters, you may see something that you find upsetting to you. This may occur before you have spoken to your doctor or while the surgery is closed and you cannot contact them.
Choosing to share your information with someone
It’s up to you whether or not you share your information with others – perhaps family members or carers. It’s your choice, but also your responsibility to keep the information safe and secure.
Coercion
If you think you may be pressured into revealing details from your patient record to someone else against your will, it is best that you do not register for access at this time.
Misunderstood information
Your medical record is designed to be used by clinical professionals to ensure that you receive the best possible care. Some of the information within your medical record may be highly technical, written by specialists and not easily understood. If you require further clarification, please contact the surgery for a clearer explanation.
Information about someone else
If you spot something in the record that is not about you or notice any other errors, please log out of the system immediately and contact the practice as soon as possible.

For further information, please see:
www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/doctors/Pages/gp-online-services.aspx