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Differences between our service and the standard proxy process

Find out how the proxy application service differs from the standard process for granting proxy access.

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How the proxy application service works

Applications are made through our service on the NHS App or NHS website, meaning you do not have to interpret handwriting.

Once an application has been made, we send this to the email your practice gave us. You can use our guidance on how to set up proxy access for steps to take once you’ve received an application.

The information we capture

When the application is for access to an adult's GP services

We find out:

  • the proxy and patient's name, NHS number, gender and contact details

  • the relationship between the proxy and the patient

  • the GP services the applicant has requested to give or get access to

  • the reason proxy access is needed

When the application is for access to a child's GP services

We find out:

  • the proxy's name, NHS number, gender and contact details

  • the child patient's name, date of birth, NHS number, gender and address

  • what document the proxy has that may help to show their legal parental responsibility for the child – on its own, this document is not proof of parental responsibility. We do not collect a copy of this document or verify this information

  • if the proxy lives at the same address as the child, by asking the proxy

If the proxy is applying to access a child's GP services, we do not ask what services they'd like to access. You may want to discuss access options with the child if they have capacity to agree to this access.

We do not capture any consent or signatures through our service. We do not verify any relationships between the proxy and patient.

You need to complete the necessary checks and get the patient's informed consent, using the most suitable process for your patient and your practice.

Who we contact through our service

If the proxy has applied for access to an adult patient's services, we try to contact the patient through email, text message, or both. This depends on if they have contact details stored on the Personal Demographics Service (PDS).

If the patient does not have contact details on PDS, we do not contact them, and we'll let you know.

If the patient has applied to give someone access to their services, we contact the proxy in the same way, using their contact details.  

We do not contact the patient if they're aged 15 and under. 

What you continue to do

  • You check that the patient has the capacity to consent to proxy access and collect consent. If they do not have capacity and are aged 11 or over, use your standard practice process for handling this type of proxy request. We ask you to record patient consent as not confirmed in the proxy application service pilot log we sent you. 

  • You confirm that the patient knows what they are agreeing to when giving informed consent, if they have capacity to consent to this access. 

  • You verify that the proxy has legal parental responsibility for the patient, if they've applied to access the services of someone aged 15 or under. 

  • You verify the identity of the proxy and patient. (We only verify the identity of the person that makes the application through NHS login.) 

  • You check that there are no safeguarding or coercion issues for the proxy or patient. 

  • You decide if proxy access should be granted, and the level of access needed. 

  • If you decide to grant proxy access, you set this up in your clinical system. 

  • You may want to contact the patient and proxy to let them know the outcome of the application – use your standard practice process for this if the patient does not have capacity.

Last edited: 22 November 2024 9:03 am