YOUR RECORD ACCESS from 1st November 2023
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.
From 1st November 2023 you will be able to 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, so 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 GP, not from hospitals or other specialists, although you will be able to see any letters that hospitals or specialists send to your doctor. You will only be able to see information from 1st November 2023. For most people, access will be automatic, and you won't need to do anything.
Your doctor or one of the clinical team may talk to you to discuss test results before you are able to see some of your information online or in the app. Your doctor 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 one of the practice team.
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 the Clinical Admin Team or through an online Admin request using accuRx. 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, you will need to have the necessary permissions in place.
The NHS App, website and other online services are all very secure. You'll need to make sure you protect your login details, however. 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 practice staff. You can also read more by going to www.nhs.uk/gp-record
Health and care professionals have a legal duty and professional responsibility to keep health and care records accurate and up to date. However, mistakes in record keeping can occasionally happen. If you notice a factual inaccuracy, you are able to ask for this to be changed. This is called ‘rectification’. Please contact us if you see something that is inaccurate.
(Information from NHS Digital)