Proxy Access
What is proxy Access?
A GP surgery can give someone proxy access so they can help another person manage their GP health and care. Or if you are a parent and wish to be able to view your child's records for those children under the age of 11.
If your child is aged 11 to 16 you can view their appointments and medication only, if you wish to access any further information from their health record, you must attend the surgery with the child and the proxy access request form must be signed in the presence of a member of staff, and signed by a member of staff. The same rule applies for patients over 16 years of age.
A proxy may be able to act for the person they support, by:
- Ordering repeat prescriptions
- Booking appointments
- Viewing test results or vaccinations
- Accessing all or part of the GP health record, to help with health-related tasks and managing health issues
Adults who cannot understand and agree to proxy access
Proxy access for another adult is usually given based on them requesting it themselves or understanding and agreeing to it. Adults aged 16 and over are assumed to be able to understand and consent to their own treatment. This is called having capacity.
If the person you want to help cannot understand or agree to you acting for them, for example because of a condition such as Dementia, this is called lacking capacity.
The surgery may still be able to give you access. They will make a decision based on what is in the best interests of the person who needs help.
Setting up proxy access
The forms are available on our website to print or complete (proxy online form), you can complete a digital form here or you can visit the surgery and complete a form from the rack in reception (by the Prescription hatch).
Please allow five working days for your form to be actioned.
To help improve levels of care and access to services, we are now offering all patients an option for support in getting set up and using online apps: Ask First and NHS App. Allowing you to manage your care in your own time. You can do this by using our automated digital assistant - designed to empower and educate you to access services digitally.