National Proxy Service Directions 2025

The purpose of these Directions is to enable NHS England to provide a digital service for individuals registered with a General Practitioner (GP) in England (Patients)¹ that enables other authorised individuals to access digital NHS services on behalf of a patient to support the delivery and management of the patient’s care (Proxies). This service will be known as the National Proxy Service and will:

• enable proxies and patients to easily request that proxies are given access to digital NHS services on behalf of the patient, which is approved by the patient’s GP (Proxy access)
• support GPs in making informed decisions on granting proxy access via the National Proxy Service, including through the provision of standards, guidance and information from authoritative sources² 
• enable proxies to use proxy relationships to access services provided through local and national clinical systems for patients
• enable proxies, patients, and GPs to manage proxy access to ensure it remains safe and appropriate; and
• enable anonymous statistical data about the National Proxy Service to be used to support service delivery improvement and strategies which may improve health outcomes for the population and reduce inequalities in health

These Directions are given in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 254(1), 254(1), 260(2)(d) and 304 (9), (10), and (12) of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 (the 2012 Act), and sections 13ZC and 272(7) and (8) of the National Health Service Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

These Directions come into force on the data after the day on which they are signed.