The practice provides a facility which allows you to view your GP medical record securely over the internet from a smartphone, tablet or computer – free of charge. The service is completely voluntary to the patient. If you do not want to use it, your treatment will not be affected in any way.

What are the advantages for me?

• You can choose to share your records with those treating you anywhere in the NHS. You may also wish to share your records with family members.
• You can easily look up your list of medications and immunisations (known to your GP).
• Accessing your record on computer will help you to understand and make better use of the information we hold about you.
• Access can help you discuss your health with health professionals caring for you.
• You can help to ensure that the information we hold about you remains accurate, up to date and complete.

What information will I be able to see?

Depending on your level of access, the system allows you to view the following areas of your GP medical record:

• Allergies and any bad reactions to medications
• Vaccinations and immunisations
• Medications

Are there any risks for me?

There may be something in your record that you have forgotten and do not want to be reminded about.

Can I alter the record?

No, only practice staff can alter your record. However, if you see something which you think needs to be changed, please contact the Practice Manager as soon as possible. Any changes to your medical record will be authorised by a GP.

Can I share the record?

You will be given secure log in details to access your record. You should keep these safe and not share with anyone. However, if you want to share your record with other health professionals or people caring for you, including family and friends, you can print off details or show them the record online by logging on to any internet connected PC. If you do print information from your record, you must make sure you dispose of it securely.

What about security?

Your information remains under the control of your GP as it does now. Like online banking you control viewing by using your Username and password. You will be responsible for keeping your log in details safe.

Logging off or a power failure will clear all the information accessed online from your computer system. Only the surgery permanently holds your information. You are advised not to copy information to your own computer but to log on to the secure site each time to wish to access information as it will be up to date and secure. Information may be printed and shared as you wish, but please ensure any paper copies are kept secure and disposed of securely when no longer required.

Will my data be passed to anyone else without my permission?

No. The Data Protection Act states that your personal data can only be shared with your permission. Please see the Information Commissioners Office website for further information: http://www.ico.gov.uk

How do I get started?

To be able to use the system you must have a computer, smartphone or tablet with internet access.

Using online services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

You can also request online access at the practice. Please pop in with 2 forms of ID (at least one with a photograph and one with your current address) and complete the Online Access form. Alternatively you can print the form on this page and bring into surgery with your two forms of ID.

You can only request access to the following services at the moment:

• Appointment booking
• Request repeat medication
• Questionnaires
• Summary record access

The practice has the right to remove online access to services for anyone that doesn’t use them responsibly.

A proxy user is a user that is allowed to view and process medical requests on behalf of another patient.

You can only be set up as a proxy access user if you have a registered account with online services.

If you wish for another online user to have access to your records and be able to complete tasks on your behalf such as requesting prescriptions, booking appointments and accessing your medical records and information then you will need to set up this person as a ‘proxy user’.

• If you have a child under the age of 12 you can request proxy access to your child’s medical records. When your child reaches 12 years old the proxy access will be reduced to only allow you to make appointments on their behalf and repeat prescription requests. Your child will then need to give consent for any further information to be shared. At the age of 16 proxy access will cease unless your child does not have capacity* to manage their own healthcare.
• *If the patient does not have capacity to confirm proxy access then the access will be forwarded for approval by the GP.
• For people aged 16 years and older they can request direct online access to their medical records themselves and will have responsibility for protecting their own registration details and password.
• Proxy application will not be accepted from third party organisations such as insurance company or solicitors.

Please ensure you have carefully read the NHS Proxy Access Guide prior to applying.

The practice is currently involved in a pilot for requesting proxy access online. If you are not able to use online services or suitable for the pilot, please call the practice to discuss proxy access.

Do you need help managing your healthcare? 

If you're both patients at our practice, your trusted person can apply to have access to online GP services on your behalf. 

Invite your trusted person to find out more about applying for access to another patient's GP services on the NHS website.  

This service is designed and run by the NHS, so your personal information is safe.