If you are not already aware, everyone in England has had access to their own NHS records since 2015. There are a number of different types of health records, accessing them is free, and healthcare professionals have a legal requirement to allow you to see them.
GP records
GP records include information about your medicine, allergies, vaccinations, previous illnesses and test results, hospital discharge summaries, appointment letters and referral letters.
You can access your GP records, and nominate someone you trust to access them, through GP online services.
Your Summary Care Record
If you’re registered with a GP surgery, you’ll have a Summary Care Record unless you’ve chosen not to have one. It contains basic information including your allergies, medicines and any reactions you’ve had to medicine in the past.
During the coronavirus outbreak, you will also have extra information added to your record. This includes significant medical history (past and present), reasons for medicines, care plan information and vaccinations.
You cannot get your Summary Care Record online. If you’d like to see it, speak to your GP.
Accessing someone else’s records
Health and care records are confidential so you can only access someone else’s records if you’re authorised to do so.
Read more information about accessing someone else’s records.
Getting your records changed
If you think your health record is incorrect, you should let your GP or other health professional know and they will help you to update it.
