Patient access to GP data - information for people with learning disabilities

From November 2022, you can see information from your health record. You do not need to ask if you want to see it. If you are 16 or older you can use the NHS app, NHS website, or another health app to see appointment notes and letters from your doctor (GP). If you don’t want to use an app, you would have to ask your practice to print out your records.

You will be able to see:

• notes from your appointments
• results from any tests you have had
• other documents like letters that are saved on your record
• information from your annual health checks

You will not be able to see details of hospital appointments, but you might see letters that they send your registered doctor (GP).

You will not need to ask to see your health records. You can see them when you use your app.

Sometimes, your doctor (GP) might talk to you about seeing your records. They can help you understand what you can see in your record. There might be information in your record that could worry you, like test results or information about an illness. They will want to make sure you understand this before you see it. You can also choose not to see your records, if you prefer.

Your doctor might also be worried that someone could make you show your records to them. This is because the information in your health record is personal. You should only share it with people if you want to. If your doctor thinks someone might make you show them your records, then they could stop you from seeing it.

If someone makes you to show your health records and you do not want to share it with them, you should tell your doctor (GP). They will be able to stop this from happening by turning off your ability to see your health record.

If the situation is resolved in the future and you want to see your records, you can ask your doctor to turn your records on again.

If your doctor (GP) has stopped you seeing your records, but you want to be able to see them, you should talk to your doctor next time you go for an appointment. They might want to talk to you about it to make sure you understand what you are seeing.