GP Records Folder

Yes. You can access this tool immediately, if you have created an account with NowPatient using your NHS Login credentials.

Not everybody has NHS Login credentials – do not worry – you can still access the GP Records Folder tool if you have created a NowPatient account using your email address. However, if you use your email address, then you will be required to link your NowPatient account using NHS linkage Codes.

Linkage codes (also called linkage keys) are 3 codes that the NHS uses to protect your GP medical record and keep it secure for you. When you have obtained the keys, you can simply enter the 3 codes into the GP Records Folder tool.

To get your linkage keys follow the three simple steps:

• Contact your GP practice and ask for access to “online services”
• You will also need to state that you would like them to send you your “3 linkage keys”
• Each GP practice manages these requests a little differently. Some prefer you to complete a request form online, via their website. Others prefer you to email or to phone

The simplest way to get these codes is by email. Below, we’ve included a template email you can use to request yours.

download template here

Once you have requested your linkage keys, your GP surgery will send you a letter or an email, with your codes. You should now have the following 3 codes:

• Linkage key or passphrase
• ODS code or practice ID
• Account ID

You can now enter the 3 codes into the GP Records Folder tool, which will activate access.

This service is commissioned by NHS England and is only available to patients in England. You will not be able to use the feature if you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

No. This is a FREE service.

No. The records are only viewable by you and will not be shared without your consent. It is stored securely, in a way that follows the NHS privacy notice. In addition, your account is protected by 2FA (Two Factor Authentication) so you can rest assured only you will have access to your data and records.

You will be able to see the following:

• Allergies you have
• Vaccinations you’ve had
• Conditions you’ve been diagnosed with
• Notes from appointments at your GP surgery
• Results of tests your GP surgery has arranged
• Medicines your GP has prescribed
• Letters that hospitals or specialists have sent to your GP

Information kept by other services (such as hospitals, dentists and opticians) that has not been sent to your GP – to get this information, you’ll need to contact these services directly.

You should email or call your surgery, or speak to a receptionist at the surgery if:

• You’re unable to see your record
• Information is missing or has disappeared from your record
• You can only see very recent information in your record and you need to see older information
• There’s incorrect information in your record
• You can see information that should not be there (for example, you can see information that’s not yours)
• You do not want to be able to see your record
• Someone is pressuring you for information in your record

Yes. You can request a paper copy of your medical records, also called a health record, by asking your GP practice. This will usually be through a subject access request.

Yes. You can access your records by using your NHS login or NowPatient login credentials.

Your practice may not have switched on full access to your records yet. All practices in England should switch on access to their patients’ future medical records by 31st October 2023.

The expectation is that information will be made visible to you. Very occasionally, you may not be able to see some information in your medical records. This would only be for specific reasons such as confidential information about someone else that cannot be shared, or if the information could cause you or someone else serious harm. You can ask your GP to hide any information from appearing in your records.

You have a right to see your medical records. A GP should only prevent access if there is a good reason, usually if there is concern access to your records could cause harm, or because you asked not to see your records. You can always speak to the practice manager or your GP if you want to discuss whether you should have access. If you disagree with the decision the GP has made, you can complain through the practice’s complaints process.

If you don’t have access via the NowPatient App right now, it might be that your GP hasn’t yet switched on access to your health records. If this is the case, it would be worth asking the practice to give you access.

When you view your record online, you may only see information that was added recently. If you need to see older information, you’ll have to ask your GP surgery to make it visible.

You will be able to see any information that is saved in the medical records your GP holds about you. This will include most test results from hospitals that have been sent to and reviewed by your GP. In some areas of England, you can already access hospital records directly; NHS England does not yet have a timetable of when this will be available everywhere.