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. 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 now letting you see all the information within your health record. If you are over 16 and have an online account, such as through the NHS App, NHS website, or other GP online services and apps, you will now 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 will be able to see any letters that hospitals or specialists send to your doctor (GP). You will only be able to see information from [insert date that your practice will make the change]. For most people, access will be automatic, and you won't need to do anything.
As at 31st March all patients are entitled to request online access to view their Immunisation History and any Allergies information. This is part of the same online access which patients can use to book appointments online and order repeat prescriptions. If you have not already requested access to these services, please speak to a receptionist
Your doctor (GP) may talk to you to discuss test results before you are able to see some of your information 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. If you do not want an online account, you can still access your GP health record by requesting this information via reception [or include online option].
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.
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.
The NHS App, website and other online services are all very secure. You will 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.
The practice is registered and complies with the Data Protection Act 1998. Any request for access to notes by a patient, patient’s representative or outside body must be made in writing and will be dealt with in accordance with the Act. Please contact the Practice Manager for further information.
If a patient attends another GP practice (for example if on holiday in the UK) and is seen as a temporary resident, any information held within the Summary Care Record (Medication & Allergies) can be viewed by the GP seeing the patient (so long as consent from the service has not been withdrawn by the patient).
If a patient transfers permanently to another GP practice, a copy of their medical records will be sent electronically via GP2GP where possible.
Introduction
In accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation, patients (data subjects) have the right to access their data and any supplementary information held by this organisation. This is commonly known as a subject access request (SAR).
Data subjects have a right to receive:
· Confirmation that their data is being processed
· Access to their personal data
· Access to any other supplementary information held about them
Options for access
As of April 2016, organisations have been obliged to allow patients access to their coded health record online. As of October 2023, this service now enables the patient to view their full medical record. Prior to accessing this information, you will have to visit the organisation and undertake an identity check before being granted access to your records.
In addition, you can make a request to be provided with copies of your health record. To do so, you must submit a SAR form. This can be submitted electronically and the SAR form is available on the organisation website. Alternatively, a paper copy of the SAR is available from reception. You will need to submit the form online or return the completed paper copy of the SAR to the organisation. Patients do not have to pay a fee for copies of their records.
Time frame
Once the SAR form is submitted, this organisation will aim to process the request within 28 days; however, this may not always be possible.
Exemptions
There may be occasions when the data controller will withhold information kept in the health record, particularly if the disclosure of such information is likely to cause undue stress or harm to you or any other person.
Data controller
At Dallam Lane Medical Centre the data controller is Linda Wimpenny (Medical Secretary) and should you have any questions relating to accessing your medical records, please ask to discuss this with the named data controller.