Online Access to your Medical Records
With effect from 31st October 2023 as part of the GP contract and as your GP Practice, we have been advised by NHS England to provide our Patients with full access to medical records going forward.
The NHS wants to give people better ways to see their personal health information online. We know that people want to be able to access their health records. It can help you see test results faster. It also lets you read and review notes from your appointments in your own time.
Therefore, we are now letting you see all the information within your health record. If you are over 16 and have an online account, such as through the NHS App, NHS website, or other GP online services and apps, you will now automatically be able to see all future information entered on your medical record.
This means that you will be able to see records from your appointments, as well as test results and any letters that are saved on your records. This only applies to records from your doctor (GP), not from hospitals or other specialists, although you will be able to see any letters that hospitals or specialists send to your doctor (GP). You will only be able to see information from 31st October 2023. For most people, access will be automatic, and you won't need to do anything.
Your doctor (GP) may talk to you to discuss test results before you are able to see some of your information on the app. Your doctor (GP) may also talk to you before you are given full record access to make sure that having access is of benefit to you. If you are concerned that seeing your records is not right for you, you should speak to us.
These changes only apply to people with online accounts. If you do not want an online account, you can still access your GP health record by requesting this information via reception. The changes also only apply to personal information about you.
You will need to make sure you protect your login details. Do not share your password with anyone as they will then have access to your personal information. It is important to remember that these documents may, at times, contain information that could be upsetting, especially if they contain news of a serious condition. 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 smart phone or online. Sometimes people with a mental health condition might prefer not to see documents that remind them of difficult times in their life.
Government has been clear, that if a patient does not wish to have access and you do not want to see your health record, and wish to opt out, you may contact the Practice and a code can be applied to your medical record. Or simply complete the attached form (Prospective Access withdraw form 103 code) and bring it into the Practice yourself with photo ID. If you would like more information you can read more by going to www.nhs.uk/gp-record.