Information about Online Services

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 01/11/2023. For most people, access will be automatic, and you won't need to do anything.

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. 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.  You'll 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.

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.

Information about Online Services

 

THE ORCHARD SURGERY offers patients online access to their computerised medical records.  There is no charge for this service.  The service is completely voluntary to the patient.  If you do not want to use it, your treatment will not be affected in any way.  Please note this is a ‘read only’ service. 

What are the advantages?

  • You can check your details are correct
  • You can view any medications you have been prescribed
  • You can check any allergies and adverse reactions to medications you may have had.
  • You can book some types of appointment online
  • You can request repeat prescriptions online
  • Access your medical record from anywhere in the world should you require medical treatment on holiday 

What information will you see?

The system allows you to view the following areas of your GP medical record:

  • Complete prospective medical record (excluding free text at current time). 

Can you alter the record?

No, only Practice staff can alter your record.  However, if you see something which you think needs to be changed, please contact the Practice as soon as possible.  Any changes to your medical record will be authorised by a GP. 

Can you share the record?

You will be given secure log-in details to access your record.  You should keep these safe and not share with anyone.  However, if you wish to you can share your record with other health professionals or people caring for you, including family and friends. 

You do not have to share your record if you do not want to. 

What about security?

Your information remains under the control of your GP as it does now.  Like online banking you control viewing by using your username and password.  You will be responsible for keeping your log-in details safe.  You can change your password at any time.

Logging off or a power failure will clear all the information accessed online from your computer system.  Only the Practice permanently holds your information.  You are advised not to copy information to your own computer but to log on to the secure site each time to access information as it will be up-to-date and secure.  Information may be printed and shared as you wish, but please ensure any paper copies are kept secure and disposed of securely when no longer required.

How to get started? 

  1. To be able to use the system you must have a computer with internet access. 
  1. To register for Patient Access you will need to bring 2 pieces of ID with you; one piece must include a photograph e.g. a passport, driving licence. Please ask reception for a list of acceptable identity evidence. 
  1. You must complete a Patient Access Application form to say you have read and understood this Information Leaflet before you start using the system. This form is available from reception. 
  1. You will be given a PIN document to use to register for Patient Access. You must remember these details and keep them secure.  You will also be given some instructions about how to log in and use the service.  You are solely responsible for the security of the letter and the codes therein. 

BEFORE APPLYING FOR ONLINE ACCESS TO YOUR DETAILED CODED MEDICAL RECORD, PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING 

Forgotten History.  There may be something you have forgotten about in your record that you may find upsetting

Choosing to share your information with someone.  It is up to you whether or not your share your information with others – perhaps family members or carers.  It is your choice, but also your responsibility to keep the information safe and secure.

Coercion. If you think you may be pressured into revealing details from your patient record to someone else against your will, it is best that you do not register for access at this time

Misunderstood information.  Your medical record is designed to be used by clinical professionals to ensure that you receive the best possible care.  Some of the information within your medical record may be highly technical, written by specialists and not easily understood. 

Abnormal results or bad news.  If you have been given access to test results or letters, you may see something that you find upsetting. This may occur before you have spoken to your doctor or while the surgery is closed and you cannot contact us. If this happens please contact us as soon as possible. The practice may set your record so that certain details are not displayed online. For example, we may do this with test results that you might find worrying until we have had an opportunity to discuss the information with you.

Information about someone else. If you spot something in the record that is not about you or notice any other errors, please log out of the system immediately and contact the practice as soon as possible.

 Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you have a legal right to apply for access to health information held about you.  If you require access to information prior to your computer records, please apply in writing to the Practice Manager (this is known as a Subject Access Request).   

Please note that the Practice reserves the right to refuse your request if your GP feels that you may be harmed by accessing information in your medical record, or suspects that you may be coerced into sharing it against  your wishes.