The NHS wants to give people better ways to see their personal health information online. Accessing your GP health record can help you better understand and mange your condition, without having to telephone the surgery. It can help you see test results faster. It also lets you read and review notes from your appointments in your own time. This includes consultation notes, letters and test results.
If you are over 16 and have an online account, such as the OHS App, you will 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 should also be able to see letters that hospitals or specialists send to your doctor (GP) too. You will only be able to see information from November 2023. For most people, access will be automatic, and you won’t need to do anything.
To help you understand some of the medical language that may be used in your record. You can review here for: Abbreviations you may find in your health records – NHS App help and support – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Your doctor (GP) may talk to you to discuss test results before you are able to see the result 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. 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.
If you see information in your record that is not about you, or is inaccurate then please contact the practice. Also, contact the practice if you think you may be come under pressure to give access to someone else unwillingly then contact the surgery and speak to Tanya Burton, the practice manager as soon as possible.
