Online Access – Accessing someone else’s information – “Proxy Access”

Health records are confidential

In the UK, GP health records usually contain lifelong medical information. This may include information from hospitals and other healthcare professionals, as well as relevant information shared by other agencies such as social care, education services and in some circumstances the police.

It is essential that all patients including children and young people are able to access healthcare confidentially without concern that someone else can view their information.

For this reason, proxy access will only be granted where it creates minimal risk of affecting a patient’s abiity to

  • Maintain appropriate privacy
  • Access care confidently
  • Speak openly and honestly with their clinician

What is Proxy Access?

Proxy access allows one person to access aspects of another person’s GP record online.

At Spa Surgery, the only type of proxy access we offer is:

  • Appointments
  • Medication (repeat medication)

Due to current NHS clinical IT system limitations we are unable to offer access to full medical records or any other type of proxy access.

Proxy Access By Patient Group

Children aged 1-12 years

Proxy access may be granted to an adult with parental reponsibility, where it is

  • Appropriate
  • Necessary
  • Safe

Each request will be considered individually

Young People Aged 13-15 years

No proxy access will be granted unless there is a clear medical need which will be considered on an individual basis.

This ensures that young people are able to access healthcare confidentially and seek support wihout barriers.

Self access may be possible depending on the circumstnces. This will require the young person to come into the practice and see a GP for a competency assessment.

Patients Aged 16 Years and above.

Patients aged 16 and above should have access to their own records

No proxy access will be granted unless there is a clear medical need which will be considererd on an individual basis.

Patients with Learning DIsabilities or Dementia

Proxy access for medications only will be granted where it is

  • Appropriate
  • Necessary
  • In the patients best interest
  • Safe

Patients in Residential, Nursing or Care Homes

Proxy access will only be granted to authorised care/nursing home staff for medication access only. No other access will be provided.

If someone currently has proxy access to your records and you no longer want them to have access, or someone is using your onine log-in details to access your record wihout your consent, please contact the practice to discuss this so that we can take the necessary action.

Please complete the appropriate application form below, ensuring that your provide the required photo and proof of address ID.

Parental Proxy Access application form PatientOnline- PARENTAL PROXY registration_form
Proxy Access application form PatientOnline- PROXY registration_form 2025