NHS access to online records
The NHS is now making it easier for you to understand your health and keep track of your GP’s advice by giving you online access to your personal GP health record.
The NHS is now making it easier for you to understand your health and keep track of your GP’s advice by giving you online access to your personal GP health record.
This means you can keep track of your test results, your blood pressure checks, medication advice, and the steps your general practice team has recommended to you to manage your condition.
Greta, who has an ongoing health condition, has access to her GP record and it has helped her manage her vitamin B12 deficiency. She said: “By looking at my blood tests and results, I can begin to understand what ‘normal’ means for me. Because normal is different for all of us. I look at my blood tests before I go to the doctor, so I can see my results and think about them before we speak. This means I can get questions ready in advance and feel informed at my consultation. To me, that is very, very important.”
Access to your GP record can be made through the free NHS App or online account. If you haven’t downloaded the NHS App to your smartphone or tablet, you can find out how to online
If you have the NHS App or an online account and you cannot see your record you can ask your practice to make it available to you. Once you have access, you will be able to see information from any consultations going forward.
Phil Pyatt CEO of Blood Pressure UK said: “We have long campaigned for people to understand more about their health. If you know your numbers and have information about what your healthcare team has advised you to do, you can be in control of your health and on the path to leading a long and healthy life.”
Vin Diwakar, Medical Director for Secondary Care and Transformation for NHS England said: “We believe it is every patient’s right to see the health information held about them on their GP record, that it is their information, and it should be easily accessible. This standard of care means you will be able to read your notes and better understand your own health.”
- The NHS is interested in hearing from anyone who already has access to their online GP record. Please contact nikki.malin@nhs.net if you think you can help.