Accessing someone else’s information

As a parent, family member or carer, you may be able to access services for someone else if they need support and asssitance with managing their healthcare.  We call this having proxy access.

We can set this up for you if you are both registered with us.

To requests proxy access, you can;

1.  Collect a proxy access form from reception between 9am to 5pm
2.  Download the form and bring it into reception with your ID

Proxy access to records form

If you need help completing this form please visit our receptionist for help.

Patients can decide who they want to give access to and they can give access to more than one person.  Giving access is the patient's choice.  No-one can go to a GP surgery and ask for access to patients online services without their permission.

Why you may want to give another person access

You may wish to allow another person to use your online services for different reasons. For example:

• You are very unwell or just need help managing your health
• You have a long term condition and would like support with checking test results, ordering repeat prescriptions and understanding your treatment
• You are finding it more difficult to look after yourself, for example due to memory issues or speech difficulties
• You have learning difficulties and want someone else to help you understand your health
• You have a carer who can help you manage your health
• You may be planning for the future or choosing someone to hold lasting power of attorney for health and social care for you
• You are a young person and would like your parent or guardian to look after your health. Some surgeries only allow this for children under the age of 12
• You work away from home or are just busy and need help with booking appointments or ordering repeat prescriptions.
• You are not comfortable with using computers, smart phones, or tablets.

Benefits

Before giving another person access, you should think about what the benefits will be for you. If you cannot think of any, then you should think very carefully whether allowing them access is the right thing to do. Some of the benefits are:

• You have peace of mind that someone is supporting you with managing your health
• The person you choose can help you make sure the information your surgery has about you is correct, for example your medication and allergies.
• You know that someone else understands your medical information and can provide information when you are unable to. This could be when you are unconscious or too unwell to speak or when you need help explaining or understanding something
• You can benefit from the convenience of using GP online services even if you do not use a computer or do not have access to the internet
• One member of the family can book appointments for everyone in the household. They can make sure the appointments fit with your family activities

Once proxy access is set up, you can access the other person’s profile in your NHS account, using the NHS App or website.

The NHS website has information about using linked profiles to access services for someone else.