Accessing your GP-held records via the NHS app or NHS website

Accessing your GP-held records via the NHS app or NHS website

Accessing your GP-held records via the NHS app or NHS website

As your GP practice, we have been asked to provide you with, no later than 31 October 2023, access to your full medical record going forward via the NHS app (and NHS website) if you have a suitable NHS login

Your GP medical record contains 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, e.g. the police. There is likely to be sensitive and personal information within your medical record.

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. This is one reason why we have asked if you wish to opt out, or have it switched off for the time being.

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 a mental health condition might prefer not to see documents that remind them of difficult times in their life. Letters from mental 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.

Please note that only data entries which are added to GP records after the switch on will be viewable. Data recorded before that date (i.e. previous medical history) will not be made available through the NHS App at this time.

Requesting access – what do I need to do?

The easiest way to get access is to create an NHS login through the NHS app. 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. You can also ask your practice receptionist, but you’ll need some proof of who you are, e.g. a passport, driving licence or household bill.

Download the NHS App to access your records

  • Click here to download the NHS app on the App Store (iPhone users)
  • Click here to download the NHS app on the Play Store (Android users)

 

SystmOnline

You can access your medical records 24/7 with “SystmOnline” on your smartphone, tablet or PC.

If you haven’t logged into SystmOnline before then you will need to call our reception team on 01392 255722 to get login details.

If you have forgotten your username or password and you have provided us with an email address, you can use the link on the login page to reset. If we do not have your email address then you will need to call the health centre (tel: 01392 255722) to reset your login details.

LOGIN

Opting out of access – what do I need to do?

We are aware that not everyone will want access to their full record on the internet at this time, and some patients may have concerns about their personal medical records being made available on their smartphones or online, especially if other people have access to their devices. If you would like to switch off access for the time being, please fill out the form below. You can change your mind at any time by contacting the health centre.

The information in this form will only be used for processing your request to opt out of seeing your medical records online, it will not be shared with any third-parties.

Online Access Opt Out Form

Name(Required)
Date of Birth(Required)
Address(Required)

Consent(Required)
To opt out of seeing your medical records, you will need to fill out this form and tick the box (below) to give us consent. You can opt out, or opt back in again, at any time.

Page updated: 18th October 2023