This afternoon I am going to register with a new practise but am concerned as a friend has just told me that my existing surgery refuses to transfer notes if someone tries to leave. Can they do that and does it stop me going to another surgery ?
I am desperate to change as I feel very let down with the doctors I have spoken to recently and have been unable to get a face to face appointment
Anniecheney
Does your friend work in the medical profession in any role? If not how does she know this?
It would be utterly ridiculous if your records weren't transferred - think about it.
There is a procedure when changing doctors and digital records are apparently transferred using the GP2GP service - see here:
Paper records may take longer.
NHS England has this information:
pcse.england.nhs.uk/service...
Hi Ann, We both changed surgery July 21 all your notes should be on NHS site and are accesable by GPs Consultants and specialists. So there is no problem with your records being passed over, it is vey easy to change. You have to fill in a form at your chosen surgery and that’s it.
She knows this because she is the patient and herself and her sister both changed to a new practise.
And have they given enough time for records to be transferred?
If so, and if records haven't been transferred, is she following this up.
Your medical records must follow you although it can take some time.
Yes it was several weeks ago and yes, she is chasing it.
So as I said, it can take time but they will, eventually, be transferred.
There is nothing to stop you getting your full medical notes from the surgery - you just ask and they cannot charge you anything. Then you will be sure you have your notes to pass on if necessary. Ask before you let them know you are changing surgeries.
Stay put or play Russian roulette and change surgery 
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