Publish date: 17 October 2022
From 1 November 2022, patients, aged 16 and over, who use online patient services (such as the NHS App) will automatically be able to view new entries in their GP clinical record. This includes information such as letters and test results that have been sent into general practice from other health and care professionals including community and mental health care services.
Previous correspondence will not automatically be made available, and patients will continue to have the right to make a Subject Access Request (SAR) to access historic data.
What does this mean for you?
Health and care professionals should continue to share vital information with general practice as per normal protocol.
You should also continue to follow record keeping guidelines, with added consideration about any language and medical terminology used which might not be understood by a patient reading this information.
General practices are being supported to prepare for the change, including guidance on exceptional situations where the disclosure of or access to information is likely to cause serious harm to the physical or mental health of the individual or another person. In such cases the practice can redact (hide) certain information or prevent automatic access entirely.
Further information, including guidance and support, can be found on the NHS Digital website.