Do more with the NHS App

Did you know that the NHS App provides a single place to manage your healthcare?

Use it to book appointments, access your health record, view test results, send an online consultation, contact 111, and more!

You can use the NHS App or log in using a web browser to access a range of NHS services online. The NHS App is available on iOS and Android aswell as available on a webpage for those not able to use the app.

 

Logging in to the NHS App

To use the NHS App or to access your details through the website, you’ll need to set up an NHS login.

Important Information regarding access to your medical record

If you wish to, you can now use the internet (via computer or mobile app) to book appointments with a GP, request repeat prescriptions for any medications you take regularly and look at your medical record online.

It will be your responsibility to keep your login details and password safe and secure.  If you know or suspect that your record has been accessed by someone that you have not agreed should see it, then you should change your password immediately. If you are unable to do this for some reason, we recommend that you contact the practice so that they can remove online access until you are able to reset your password.

If you print out any information from your record, it is also your responsibility to keep this secure.  If you are at all worried about keeping printed copies safe, we recommend that you do not make copies at all.

During the working day it is sometimes necessary for practice staff to input into your record, for example, to attach a document that has been received, or update your information.  Therefore you will notice admin/reception staff names alongside some of your medical information – this is quite normal. 

The definition of a full medical record is all the information that is held in a patient’s record; this includes letters, documents, and any free text which has been added by practice staff, usually the GP. The coded record is all the information that is in the record in coded form, such as diagnoses, signs and symptoms (such as coughing, headache etc.) but excludes letters, documents and free text.

Please note that the data you record via apps such as airmid may not be reviewed by your care provider or GP. Do not rely on the app to notify them of changes to you health, until otherwise agreed

Before you apply for online access to your record, there are some other things to consider. Although the chances of any of these things happening are very small, you will be asked that you have read and understood the following before you are given login details.

 

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 or not you share your information with others – 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.

For further information, please see:

www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/doctors/Pages/gp-online-services.aspx

Accessing GP services for someone else, with proxy access

GP surgeries can give someone secure access to another patient's GP services, so they can help them manage their health and care.

This is called proxy access.

You can ask to be a proxy, to help someone else with their prescriptions, appointments or other GP services, or choose a proxy to help you with yours.

 

Setting up proxy access

You will need to contact the GP surgery of the person who wants help, to ask for a proxy access form.

The GP surgery will make sure the person giving access understands and agrees to it, where needed.

You will both have to fill in a form and prove who you are using photo ID.

The GP surgery will then decide what access, if any, is appropriate, and make the changes in their clinical systems to set it up.