The practice is registered and complies with the Data Protection Act 1998. Any request for access to notes by a patient, patient’s representative or outside body will be dealt with in accordance with the Act. Please seek further information from a member of reception..
Your Data Matters to the NHS
Your health records contain a type of data called confidential patient information. This data can be used to help with research and planning.
You can choose to stop your confidential patient information being used for research and planning. You can also make a choice for someone else like your children under the age of 13.
Your choice will only apply to the health and care system in England. This does not apply to health or care services accessed in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Find out how this data is used and how to opt out on the following link:
https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/
Proxy Access
Proxy Access is allowing another person access to your online services. You choose who you want to give access to, this can be a friend, family member, significant other or a carer. You can also give access to more than one person at a time. Giving access to another person to you online services is entirely your decision. You can also chose which services that they can access on your behalf.
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, for example diabetes, heart disease, asthma or high blood pressure 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 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.
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 and make sure the appointments fit with your family activities.
The recommended and safest way to give another person access to your online services is for them to have their own username and password. If you use online services yourself, you should not share your username and password with anyone. If you share your username and password, your surgery cannot tell whether you or someone else accessed your online services. This may be a problem if someone else misuses your login details and your surgery has to look into this.
You can choose to take away access to your GP online services from your chosen person at any time. To end the service, you need to let your surgery know you would like them to switch off online access for your chosen person and give them the reason. Your surgery will then stop the service and your chosen person will not be able to use their login details to look at your information.
Things to consider before giving another person access to your online services include:
- Is there any information in your records you would not like anyone to see or know about?
- Can you trust the person to keep your information safe and not share it with others or use it without your permission?
- Is any one forcing you into sharing your online services with them or do you think someone could force you to share it with them? If so, we would advise that you do not give them access. If you have any concerns that someone has access to your online records without your permission, speak to your surgery and they can change your password or stop your online services
- How long would you like your chosen person to have access for? This can be for a short time, for example when you are suffering from a certain illness and you need support with managing your health during that time. It can also be ongoing so they can help you for a long period of time. You can discuss this with the Practice.
How to sign up
The steps below show how you can give another person access:
- Contact the surgery to let them know you would like to give your chosen person access to your GP online services. You may also choose to register for online services for yourself if you do not already use them.
- The Practice will give you a short form to fill in, or you can use the form attached at the bottom of this section. You will need to sign the form to confirm you agree with the information on the form. You can also choose whether you only want them to book appointments or order prescriptions or use all the services on your behalf.
- You and Your Chosen Person will need to show your surgery their photo ID , for example, a passport or photo driving licence.
- Staff at the Practice will make a decision on whether to give your chosen person access to your GP online services. If we decide not to give them access, we will discuss the reasons with you.
- The staff will give your chosen person their own username and password to use to login to your GP online services.
