A quick update on technical aspects. I have had lots of queries about connecting to online records systems today. There is confusion about how it all works. So here is an explanation.
NB some of this is found in my previous posts. Please look at them if you want to know more by tapping on the DJR1
The screen shot shows the operating systems in use in NHS England.
Gp Practices run clinical systems. There are four operating systems in use
EMIS web
Micro test Evolution
TPP SYstmOne
VISION
All these systems except VISION can give full record access.
Patients access these operating systems by using an App/website.
For example EMIS Web commonly uses the Patient Access APP
TPP SYSTMOne commonly uses Systmonline
HOWEVER
Some Apps are cross platform. This means YOU can CHOOSE which APP you want to use. For example Evergreen Life App and NHS App will connect with ALL of the four operating systems.
To set up your choice of App you use the Practice registration keys given on the form you were given when you registered for online systems.
You can use more than one App!
So........
My GP Practice uses EMIS Web
So I use
1. Patient Access
2. Evergreen Life
3. NHS App
4. MyGP
They all offer different features so I use them all.
Below is a list of all the Apps that provide all online health services. They may not all work with each of the four operating systems. You will have to try it and see.
The popular ones are
Evergreen Life which is cross platforms....works with all four systems
The NHS App which works with all four
MyGP as above
NB if the service provider below does not have an App you can still access their services by their website using a personal computer
List of online health service providers and apps
PROVIDER. APPS
Airmid Airmid iOS app
Airmin Android app
BootS. Boots iOS app
Boots Android app
Co-op Health App (repeat prescriptions only). Co-op Health iOS app
Co-op Health Android app
digi.me. Digi.me iOS app
digi.me Android app
DoctorlinkDoctorlink iOS app
Doctorlink Android app
Dr. iQ Dr.iQ iOS app
Dr. iQ Android app
Echo App (repeat prescriptions only)
Echo iOS app
Echo Android app
Evergreen Life Evergreen Life iOS app
Evergreen Life Android app
HealtheraHealthera mobile app
LIVI. LIVI iOS app
LIVI Android app
MedloopMedloop iOS app
Medloop Android app
My Diabetes My WayMy Diabetes My Way iOS app
My Diabetes My Way Android app
myGPmyGP iOS app
myGP Android app
NHS AppNHS App for iOS
NHS App for Android
Nurturey (pregnancy and child health)Nurturey iOS app
I recently set up access to GP records and the process is not straightforward. It was only with information I had gained from this site that gave me a clue where to start and then it took further research and muddling through technical processes to get it completed.
I had to apply for online service as firstly my pharmacy said they were too busy to take any telephone calls for repeat prescription. The practice had always refused do repeats directly and obviously didn’t like dealing with repeat requests through their own direct messaging system either. Even though their own system has a specific section to request medicines along with the “ask reception a question” and “consulting room” where you log your new or changed symptoms before the doctor messages you back or telephones you.
When I was told to order prescriptions through online services next time, I began the process. Seeing as I was forced to set it up for myself (& children) and for my husband. I also requested enhanced access as soon as possible.
It seemed to direct me between both the systmonline and NHS app so I had to submit an image of my driving licence and current recording of myself saying a random 4 digit number they had chosen.
Once the extra access was requested there was a explanation “If you are requesting access to your full medical record, we have one calendar month to ensure it is processed correctly to new GDPR guidelines. Please be aware that your full medical record will also contain your detailed coded record already”
There was nothing to indicate the request was in process. There was also nothing to confirm when it was activated either, which would have been helpful, instead I just happened to notice the records were there!
I can access GP records & GP test results back to 2013, If I put in the search dates in correctly. One section has a 60 day limit the other doesn’t. I can also view consultant letters from the hospital sent to GPs but no hospital blood test result which would be interesting. Requesting those seems to involve contacting records manager or patient services manager at the relevant hospital trust.
Can you request hospital blood test from a specific department or approximate date. I should have had a antibody test back in 2013/14. Would I be required to request my entire record? Would it have to be a paper copy as there doesn’t appear to be a method to allow for digital viewing?
You can request one document or all of it as you wish. Procedures vary with the hospital trust. If you know the date of the test you could contact the consultants secretary and request a copy or what I have done in the past contact the PALS team. (Patient liaison service)
They will request ID which can usually be done online. The information can be sent to you however you wish. Paper copy or email is equally possible.
There may be information on the hospital website advising on their own process so it’s worth a look. Your request is formally known as a Subject Access Request but you don’t need to use those words. You can request your information verbally on the phone, by email, letter or social media. I find hospitals are very accommodating with requests for information unlike GP’s. Good luck.
I have now found a patient access email contact for the hospital where I can request an application form. I think using my GP record I can find out the month I had the test. So something I can peruse.
I sent the form, 2 types of ID & signature of a witness all via email. They clarified I was happy to have it emailed back, which I was & it was returned within days.
It actually showed I had hyper levels then (I was pretty shocked) so I requested the entire records and submitted request in same manner.
This time it took nearly a month & was posted. (not 1 thyroid test was taken so pretty disappointed)
The records go back 20 years. The hospital was relocated around this time & records from the former site were not there.
Would these now have been destroyed?
Any ideas how I find out? If I search for the original hospital it either takes me to website for new building or national archives.
I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere, or even have known where to start without your help. Thanks again for all your helpful posts and advice.
I am utterly bewildered by the discussion of "apps". Are these things that can only be used with a smartphone? If so, I don't own one.
Back in the early-mid 1990s I was using computers and the internet in ways that were ahead of my contemporaries, but now I feel I'm falling a long way behind through lack of money to buy more gadgets and upgrade the ones I have.
I eventually got online access to order repeat prescriptions, but all other services listed (e.g. test results) are unavailable to me, despite my requests. There was no list of apps anywhere on the practice website.
Mm 🧐I guess the marketing is largely aimed at the smart phone/tablet owners.
What I should have also said is that these platforms can also be accessed by their websites using your personal computer.
The list of Apps for phone users and platforms for PC users should be listed on the registration form alongside the registration keys.
You should be able to access all online services online.
If pushed I would recommend Evergreen Life. If you register with them using your Practice registration keys ( you may need to ask for these again) they have a helpline who will address any problems with the Practice and help you with access.
Alternatively you could complete this form and you will be put in touch with the NHSX Empower the Person team who also will help out
Any ideas what to do when new practice says online access to my records is not 'their policy'?
I am livid as have 4 health conditions that require lots of tests and appointments at docs or hosp so like to keep on top of it all, now I've changed practice i have no way to. (Apart from hosps which i can access)
You could also print off the GP contract page I have posted in other threads and present it to the Practice Manager asking for a written explanation and a written copy of their policy restricting access. Gosh this makes me so cross!
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