“”[update 9/10/23] 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.
We’re 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. Some people can already access this feature, this won’t change for you.
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 [insert date that your practice will make the change]. 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 your practice.
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 [or include online option]. The changes also only apply to personal information about you. If you are a carer and would like to see information about someone you care for, speak to reception staff.
The NHS App, website and other online services are all very secure. You’ll 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.
If you do not want to see your health record, or if you would like more information about these changes, please speak to your GP or reception staff. You can also read more by going to www.nhs.uk/gp-record.””
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The practice is registered and complies with the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018). Any request for access to notes by a patient, patient’s representative or outside body will be dealt with in accordance with the Act.
You have a right under data protection legislation to request to see what information the practice holds about you. You also have the right to ask for inaccuracies to be corrected and in some circumstances you have the right to request that we stop processing your data. Some of these rights are not automatic and we reserve the right to discuss with you why we might not comply with a request from you to exercise them.
If you make a Subject Access Request, we will:
- describe the information we hold about you
- tell you why we are holding that information
- tell you who it might be shared with
- at your request, provide a copy of the information in an easy to read form.
In order to request this, you need to do the following:
- You may request your records in writing or verbally to the practice – for information from the hospital you should contact the hospital directly.
- We can provide electronic copies (via online access, by email or on CDROM) free of charge.
- We are required to respond to you within 1 month.
You will need to give enough information (for example full name, address, date of birth, NHS number and details of your request) so that your identity can be verified and your records located.
In some circumstances there may be a charge to have a printed copy of the information held about you. If this is the case, this will be discussed with you before any charge is made.
If you would like to make a Subject Access Request or have any further questions, please contact Lindsay Gollin, our Business Manager.
You can also access your medical records online, either via the practice system (available online as SystemAccess or via an app called AirMid) or via the NHS App. To arrange access please call the practice for your user name and password (you will be asked to verify your identity) or download the NHS App directly. The NHS App has its own verification process. See the NHS App website for more details.
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, medicines and any reactions you’ve had to medicine in the past. By storing all this information in one place, it makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed.
You cannot get your Summary Care Record online. If you’d like to see it, speak to your GP.
To opt out of having a Summary Care Record, speak to your GP or another health professional.
Coronavirus update: During the coronavirus outbreak, you will also have extra information added to your record. This includes significant medical history (past and present), reasons for medicines, care plan information and vaccinations.
For further information, follow this link to visit the ‘How to access your health records’ page on the NHS website.
Your data matters to the NHS
Your health records contain a type of data called confidential patient information. This data can be used to help with research and planning.
You can choose to stop your confidential patient information being used for research and planning. You can also make a choice for someone else like your children under the age of 13.
Your choice will only apply to the health and care system in England. This does not apply to health or care services accessed in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Find out how this data is used and how to opt out on the following link:
