Sometimes when people view their medical records they see things recorded in ways that they don’t understand or in which don’t fully record the medical problems that they have or have had.

There are a number of reasons that may account for this:

1. It may have been incorrectly recorded or dated. If you are viewing your medical records and something is clearly wrong, please let us know so we can investigate and correct it. If possible, let us know of problems in writing rather than by telephone. Please do not book an appointment just to raise concerns about details in your medical record.

2. It may not be able to be exactly recorded due to the limitations of the system used to “code” medical information. Much of the information in medical records is recorded using medical terms that the computer system recognises. Unfortunately the number of computer recognised terms is not as extensive as enormous variety of medical conditions that people have. Rare, very detailed and newly described conditions or procedures are often not available on the coding system so we have to use approximations. We have to accept and work with this.

3. Remember that medical terminology does not always have exactly the same meaning as when the words are used in day to day conversation.

Medical records hold information about you. They are sometimes called health records.

Your GP medical record includes:

• past conditions
• allergies
• medication
• test results
• appointment notes and letters

You will have different records for other NHS services you’ve used, including hospitals, dentists and opticians. To access these records, you’ll need to contact the relevant service.

Using the NHS app or website

The NHS app is a quick way to access NHS services. Using the NHS app means you do not need to enter your personal details each time you contact the surgery. You can read more about the app on the NHS website.

You can view your GP medical record online using your NHS account.

You will need the NHS app or your NHS account login details.

Information:
You may need to ask the surgery for access to view your medical records in your NHS account. You’ll only need to do this once.

View medical record using NHS account

Proxy Access

Proxy access allows someone other than the patient to access some of their GP's online services.

Parents, family members or carers can use proxy access once they have been "linked" to the patient. Using proxy access you can usually book appointments and order prescriptions. You may also be able to access the patient's medical records.

Please contact the surgery for further information on proxy access.

Find out more

For more information about how to request your medical records from other health services, such as hospitals and dentists, see NHS advice on medical records.