Online access to GP records patient case studies: Paul's story

Paul is a profoundly deaf British Sign Language (BSL) user and lives by himself. He has autism and asthma. The NHS App helps Paul to keep in control of his health and access the healthcare services he needs

I am a deaf BSL user, and this means I’m not able to call my GP directly the NHS App helps to improve my access to my own health information and medication.

To book an appointment, I still have to either go to my GP surgery or call them using UK Text Relay services. The service connects me to a relay assistant when I make a phone call, who types what the caller is saying so I can read their response. The queue can be long.

I have contacted my GP practice to see if they will enable me to book my appointments directly with my GP using the NHS App

I find it particularly helpful that I can see my vaccination records using the App and feel safe knowing when my future COVID-19 and flu vaccines will next be, which is important to me as I am asthmatic.

I can also check when and where I will see my GP next and receive notifications and messages about my appointments. This has helped me as I had some problems missing appointments in the past. I read that soon I may be able to add my appointments to my phone’s calendar, this could help me even more.

I would love to have my other appointments such as podiatry linked to my NHS App and reassurance that BSL interpreter is booked for my appointment in advance.

It is a shame that information about my deafness, my preferred communication and information requirements are not part of the NHS App.

I recently found out that the NHS App links to NHS111 and other health care information. I will give it a go and I’m hoping there are some BSL videos there.

I believe I am better with technology. However, other deaf people are not confident with technology and can be unsure using the NHS App due to lack of understanding and they are uncomfortable with too much English, as BSL is their first language. Sometimes having good connectivity at home can be another issue.