Noticeboard

Appointments
Appointments can be made by telephone.  Please make a separate appointment for each person.  If you find you are unable to attend please cancel as soon as possible so that the appointment can be offered to someone else

Test Results
Please contact the surgery to obtain the results of tests or x-rays. For reasons of confidentiality test results can only be given to the patient themselves or to the parent or legal guardian of children under 16 years of age.

Telephone Advice
If you require a telephone consultation with a doctor or nurse, please tell the receptionist who will arrange for the doctor or nurse to ring you on the contact details you provide. 

Medical Records

DATA ACCESS FOR MEDICAL RECORDS

What is in my medical records?

Your records include any information about your physical or mental health recorded by a healthcare professional. This includes records made by hospital staff, GPs, dentists, and opticians. It can also include health records kept by your employer.

Here are examples of the type of information which could be included:

  • Laboratory reports
  • Recordings of telephone calls
  • X-rays
  • Letters
  • Prescription charts
  • Clinical notes.

Can my request be refused?

Your request could be refused if:

  • A health professional thinks seeing the records would be seriously harmful to your physical or mental health
  • The records also relate to someone else.

Using the NHS App to access records

The free NHS App allows you to book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and view your GP medical records.

Who can use the NHS App?

The NHS App is for people aged 13 and over who are registered with a connected GP surgery. You can use some of the features without your GP surgery being connected. As of November 2019, 95% of surgeries are connected to the NHS App.

How does it work?

With the NHS App you can:

  • Check your symptoms
  • Book appointments
  • Order repeat prescriptions
  • View your GP medical record
  • Register to be an organ donor
  • Choose how you data is used.

Seeing a child’s medical records

Can I see my child’s medical records?

You can ask to see the records of a child under 16 if you have ‘parental responsibility’.

What does parental responsibility mean?

Parental responsibility means you are legally responsible for the wellbeing of the child. A more detailed explanation is available via www.gov.uk.

Will my request automatically be granted?

No. The best interests of the child will always be considered. If a healthcare provider is confident a child can understand their rights then they will send the information to them rather than the parent.

Can I request the medical records of children over 16?

Not without their written consent.

I’m a foster carer, can I see the records of my foster child?

You should check with the local authority or social worker to make sure you have the legal right first.

Requesting the records of a vulnerable adult

Vulnerable adults have the same right to confidentiality as anyone else. You may be able to see their records if a healthcare professional believes it is in the patient’s best interests.

What does ‘vulnerable adult’ mean?

A vulnerable adult is someone who may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from significant harm or exploitation. Being a vulnerable adult does not automatically mean someone is incapable of making decisions for themselves.

How can I request the records of a vulnerable adult?

You should start by asking them. If they say yes, you will need their written consent before contacting their GP or healthcare provider.

Will I automatically get to see the records?

No. Healthcare professionals have to follow strict rules to protect the patient’s privacy and wellbeing. This might mean you will not be allowed to see the records. It could also mean you will only be allowed to see what the doctor thinks you need to know.

What if the person is not capable of granting permission?

If a person does not have mental capacity to manage their own affairs you have the right to request their records without their permission if either of the following applies:

  • You have a lasting power of attorney with authority to manage their properties and affairs
  • You have been appointed to make such decisions by the Court of Protection.

More information on medical records

Will I understand the records?

If you find the information in your records difficult to understand your healthcare provider should explain them. They should tell you what medical words and jargon mean.

Can anybody else see my records?

No. Your medical records are confidential. Nobody else is allowed to see them unless they:

  • Are a relevant healthcare professional
  • Have your written permission
  • Have legal rights to deal with your affairs.

What if I live abroad?

If you have moved abroad permanently your GP records will have been sent to your NHS Local Area Team. Your last GP in the UK will be able to tell you how to contact them. GP records will be stored for 10 years. Hospital records will be stored for eight years. You cannot take originals abroad but you can request copies.

What if I think the information in my records is wrong?

You can contact your GP or health professional and they will help you update it.

NHS APP



 
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