Just to explain why things get complicated. If you can’t see for example test results or letters before a certain date eg I can only see my test results/letters for the last year only
This is why. This is the GP Practice set up page on PATIENT ACCESS
You can see that individual parameters can be set for individual patients.
This is an old screen shot. The regulations state that you must see everything on this list from April 2020
If you apply separately for full digital (historic) record access these parameters will/should be changed to your date of birth.
Clearly it takes some technical knowledge to understand the system set up and this is where things get difficult as most clerks don’t have the technical knowledge.
This screen shows how a new patient record was set up in 2015 in a Practice who didn’t allow full access.
I hope that makes things clearer.
Feel free to print this off to support your applications for full record access if things are difficult. It may give the staff a clue about what needs to be done.
Written by
DJR1
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I am very grateful for all the information you've given on accessing patient records but my practice uses PatientAccess and we are only allowed to order repeat prescriptions and book appointments on it.
I read on the PatientAccess help section that it is up to the practice what we are allowed to see, but from what you say records should be available now. Is it a postcode lottery type thing or is my practice just slow in catching up? Should I write to them?
Sorry if you've covered this previously, but I get a bit confused with modern technology.
You need to register at the Practice for medical record access. This is an identification process which then allows an update from the basic access which you have at present.
The information on Patient Access Help is out of date. The new GP contract in April 2020 has set new requirements.
Clarification....print off screen shot for GP Practice but insist dates are changed to your date of birth if you are requesting historical record access
Not all GPs are signed up to Patient Access. Mine was with The Waiting Room, no record access for anyone, repeat scripts and appointments only. Now with NHS App and still the same. Lots have not yet made these services available to any patient. Your findings may not apply to a number of patients, good of you to share for those it does refer to.
Thank you for that, I cannot now take the Practice to task for blantantly lying to every patient as they are now with NHS App. I wonder why they lied and said they were not making that information available to anyone until a future date.
I don’t bpnot have your legal expertise I understood that online access was to be made a available when the GP systems / staff allowed. Could you please give me the date that online access was mandatory.
Well worth pressing as I am on a patient /practice communication committee. None of us realised they had acted illegally. A point which must be addresses urgently. Many thanks.
Crikey I have just read your previous post with the Practice response on GDPR and the requirement to request information in a written format. This was in relation to requesting a copy of your latest blood test. The Practice email is completely wrong.
GDPR allows verbal requests to any member of staff and does not require the request to be made in writing at all. Responses must be within 30 days.
If you search on my name you can access loads information on record access. I rarely post on other matters. On a previous post you will find an image of the current GP contract with the explanation. I can’t post a new image within a thread.
Basically it says
From October 2019 all new registrations to a GP Practice should be given full prospective access. So all future details regarding test results, documents and consultation descriptions
From April 2020
The rest of the Practice patients who originally registered for record access must have all the details visible from 1 April 2020. So all new test results, letters and consultation should begin to appear to new stuff after 1 April 2020
In addition the contract say that from April 2020 all patients who REQUEST access to their HISTORICAL GP Digital Record should be given that access on request.
So different layers of access.
You must have registered for record access above the basic appointments/medication requests.
If the Practice did not switch on PROSPECTIVE ACCESS from April for all those who register for record access they are in breach of their contract with the NHS.
A point to note which not many people are aware of is that all GP Practices are private businesses. They work under contract to the NHS. They must abide by the terms of the contract, they do not have choice or the ability to make up their own rules on this.
For people on Patient Participation groups/communication panels etc please download the latest GEneral Medical Services Contract in full with the Appendices. This should be your bible. If it’s in the contract it MUST be delivered. It pays to have good knowledge of it.
Thank you so much, I know exactly how wrong they are alleging written request for test results and having to allow thirty days is. I have had the same conversation with them several times.
Sat one time I was well up on all thing Data Protection related having been a DP officer in Local Gov when it was first around in 1984 and then dabbled with the 1998 changes. Long since retired and no longer had my finger on the pulse.
I have downloaded thecGMS contract with Appenices as suggested. I so look forward to arming myself with all info. Not the edited highlights distributed by the PM and her deputy.
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Patient access - medical record access removed
