Access to your digital GP record-System Functionlity

[DJR1]

Another query today about system functionality and in particular Systmonline. This is a useful table for all those patients living in NHS England.

The only system that cannot offer the regulatory prospective and historical access is VISION as far as I am aware.

This information can be found here

england.nhs.uk/wp-content/u...

This guide has a wealth of information about record access but remember there has been a further update as from April 2020 access to historical records must be given on request. Prospective access is automatic. All this is subject to the usual safeguarding requirements.

Do not be fobbed off with staff saying it cannot be done/given

[2pence]

Is Patient Access one of those?

[DJR1 in reply to 2pence]

Patient Access is EMIS Web so fully functional. I use a Patient Access account and have historic and prospective access, test results, medication and letters/documents.

[DJR1]

Did you apply to the hospital or your GP? The digital systems used in primary and secondary care do not connect.

The hospital should offer you the choice of emailed pdf or paper copies of your records. You have the right to state which you would prefer.

The GP should make your historical records visible online.

The GDPR General Data Protection Regulations state you must receive a response within ONE month after submitting a Subject Access Request

ico.org.uk/for-organisation...

[DJR1]

The clinic letters from the Endocrinologist to the GP should be available in your historical GP record if the hospital trust are difficult about their records. Remember you do have to ask for historical digital access on your GP record.

However the actual hospital record should be made available and persistence is the name of the game sometimes. Good luck

[penny]

I have my records in paper form, when we had to pay £50 to get them. I’ve not been all through them as I have to keep stopping to regain my equilibrium. I notice that some things have been redacted; is this allowable?

[DJR1 in reply to penny]

Yes patients records can be redacted to remove information about third parties and any information likely to cause harm to the patient.You can find out more here on page 16 here

england.nhs.uk/wp-content/u...

[penny in reply to DJR1]

Thank you, DJR1. Of course, as the information I redacted, one cannot make a judgement as to what the content was and if it is to protect derogatory comments made by a medic or, as in the link, something from a third party.

[DJR1]

Yes there is a lot of judgement involved on what is considered acceptable or likely to cause harm. New guidance is being written in conjunction with NHS England on redaction to remove some of this personal opinion. I look forward to it being published.

The paternalism of the past is being eroded by transparency and openess-the days of GP writing totally subjective and personal comments are going with immediate access to consultation detail. It’s been a long time coming but there will be pockets of resistance, the key as patients is knowing our rights and what regulations regulations are in place. Challenging going forward with knowledge is important. The great advantages to record access for patients are the ability to check for errors, our right to rectification and the fact that records will not be “lost” as we all have our own copy. Misunderstandings can be cleared up as they arise and we will have a working record of our health management. One can but hope