Accessing Health Records

Posted by: Safia - Posted on:

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 and from 1 November 2022, you will now be able to view new entries as they are added. It can help you see test results faster. It also lets you read and review notes from your appointments in your own time. We’re expanding the amount of information within your health record that you will be able to see automatically.

If you are over 16 and have an online account, such as through the NHS App, NHS website, or another online primary care service, you will now be able to see all future notes and health records from your doctor (GP). Some people can already access this feature, this won’t change for you. This means that you will be able to see notes 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.

You will only be able to see information from 1 November 2022. For most people, access will be automatic, and you won’t need to do anything. Your doctor (GP) or other member of the practice team may talk to you to discuss test results before you are able to see some of your information on the app.
Your practice team may also talk to you before your full records access is given to make sure that having access is of benefit to you. There might be some sensitive information on your record, so you should talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

These changes only apply to people with online accounts. If you do not want an online account, you can still access your health records by requesting this information through reception. 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, so no one is able to access your information except you. You’ll need to make sure you protect your login details.

Don’t 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.