Patient access to GP data - information for LGBT+ people

We’re now letting you see all the information within your health record automatically. If you are over 16 and have an online account, such as through the NHS app, NHS website, or another online primary care service, you will now be able to see:

• all future appointment notes and health records from your doctor (GP)
• test results
• letters sent and received by your GP saved on your record

Some people can already access this feature - this will not change for you.

This only applies to information filed on your GP health record. We’ve included more information on what this means for secondary care and specialist services below.

You will only be able to see information from the point access is switched on. For most people, access will be automatic, and you will not need to do anything.

We’ve spoken to LGBT+ people and know that there are some specific questions that you might have about these changes. We’ve tried to answer them here, but you can always contact your GP if you want to talk about it further.

Only information stored on your GP health record is visible on your online record. Some services might send letters into your GP, and these will be visible on your online record. Other services, like sexual health services, will ask your permission before they share information with your GP. If you give permission, you can always ask for this information to be hidden from view so that you cannot see it, but your GP is still aware.

Some services, such as private care providers, do not share information with your GP. This means you will not be able to see this information on your health record.

If you are concerned that information about gender identity, sexuality, or other personal information will appear on your health record, you can always ask your GP to hide it.

This means that, if you were to log into your record, you would not see any information that had been hidden.

You can also ask your GP to switch off access to your entire online record. This means that when you log in, you will not see any information on the NHS App or on the NHS website. You can always change your mind if you decide you want access to your record in the future.

You should also remember that this is personal information about you. Don’t share your login details with anyone and treat your health information like you would banking information.

You can always speak to your GP to correct information on your record. Depending on how urgent it is, you might prefer to wait until your next GP appointment. Alternatively, you might prefer to speak to reception staff.

For factual changes (for example, an incorrect allergy or medication), your GP will be able to make an amendment to the record. If you disagree with information on your record (for example, how a mental health concern has been described), then there is an option for the GP to note the disagreement.

If you find that the GP is unwilling to change information on the record, or if they are consistently misgendering you or writing in a way you disagree with, you can lodge a formal complaint with the practice through their complaints system. If you need to take it further, there’s more advice on the NHS website.