Your healthcare summary is a record of your personal health information. Most people will automatically be given access to the more detailed information from November 2023 onwards. This includes letters, test results, and appointment notes.
You can use the NHS App or log in through the NHS website to access your GP health record in England and Wales. The app is available in Northern Ireland, but Northern Irish and Scottish members may need to speak to their GP.
If you only have access to your summary record, you’ll see a message letting you know that you can request access to more information. You can contact your GP surgery and request access to your detailed coded record.
General practitioners (GPs) are not permitted to inquire about your motives for accessing your personal medical records, nor can they deny your request for access to this information. In many cases, medical records are stored electronically, enabling healthcare professionals to grant people digital access to their records via an online portal upon request. However, it’s crucial to safeguard this information from unauthorised access by employing digital encryption and other security measures to prevent potential breaches.