Online Access

1. 1. Download & Install: Download the NHS App from the App Store or Google Play.
   2. Create Login: Select “Create an NHS login” and follow prompts to enter your email and create a password.
   3. Confirm Contact Details: Verify your email via a 6-digit code sent to your email, and then your mobile number via a 6-digit SMS code.
   4. Verify Identity:
       To access full services, you will need to:
      • Take a photo of your ID (e.g., Passport or UK Driving Licence).
      • Record a short video of your face.
      • Alternative: If you cannot do this, you can request matching details from your GP surgery
      • Input your personal details

       

If you are unable to do this, visit reception to collect and complete an online access form and we can process the request for you. We will need to see your photo ID to do this. If you do not have photo ID, please let us know so we can arrange an appointment to verify your identity.

If you need access to another patient’s record as you provide care for, you can request proxy access. If you help someone else with prescriptions, booking appointments or managing their health and care, getting proxy access could make it easier and more convenient.

A proxy may be able to act for the person they support, by:

• ordering repeat prescriptions
• booking appointments
• contacting the surgery or speaking to surgery staff
• viewing test results or vaccinations
• accessing all or part of the GP health record, to help with health-related tasks and managing health issues

Reasons for wanting or needing help could include:

• having a physical or mental health condition
• technical barriers, for example not having a computer or a smartphone
• language barriers, for example if it’s not easy to access services in English
• practical reasons, for example working shifts or unsocial hours
• age, for example a child may need a parent to manage their GP services – More information on access proxy access for child can be found here.

If you’re aged 16 or over, you can ask for someone to be your proxy for any reason. It does not stop you having access to your GP services yourself.

To get proxy access, you will need to visit reception to complete an online proxy access form. You will need photo ID and depending on reasoning for access, the patient will need to actively consent (unless under 11 or lacking capacity).

Before you apply for online access to your medical health record, there are some things to consider:

Forgotten history

There may be something you have forgotten about in your record that you might find upsetting.

Abnormal results or bad news

If your GP has given you access to test results or letters, you may see something that you find upsetting to you. This may occur before you have spoken to your doctor or while the surgery is closed and you cannot contact them.

Choosing to share your information with someone

It’s up to you whether you share your information with others or not – perhaps family members or carers. It’s your choice, but also your responsibility to keep the information safe and secure.

Coercion

If you think you may be pressured into revealing details from your patient record to someone else against your will, it is best that you do not register for access at this time.

Misunderstood information

Your medical record is designed to be used by clinical professionals to ensure that you receive the best possible care. Some of the information within your medical record may be highly technical, written by specialists and not easily understood. If you require further clarification, please contact the surgery for a clearer explanation.

Information about someone else

If you spot something in the record that is not about you or notice any other errors, please log out of the system immediately and contact the practice as soon as possible.

Proxy Access

If you are using this service to access another person’s account as a proxy (e.g. as a carer or parent), you have discussed appropriately what you are accessing and for what purpose. This service will be reviewed at regular intervals by the GP practice and may be rescinded at any time.

For more information about keeping your healthcare records safe and secure, you will find a helpful leaflet produced by the NHS in conjunction with the British Computer Society: Keeping your online health and social care records safe and secure.