You can use the NHS App to check your symptoms and get instant advice, manage appointments, order repeat prescriptions, view your GP medical record and more.
What the NHS App does
- get advice about coronavirus – get information about coronavirus and find out what to do if you think you have it.
- order repeat prescriptions – see your available medicines, request a new repeat prescription and choose a pharmacy for your prescriptions to be sent to.
- check your symptoms – search trusted NHS information and advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments, and get instant advice or medical help near you.
- register your organ donation decision – choose to donate some or all of your organs and check your registered decision.
- find out how the NHS uses your data – choose if data from your health records is shared for research and planning.
- view parts of your GP record – including information about medication, allergies, vaccinations, previous illnesses and test results.
Get Started
Get the app
Non-urgent advice: Having Problems?
New and existing patients are encouraged to register for online services allowing you to manage appointments, repeat prescriptions and more.
If you would like to register for Online Services please complete this form.
You can contact us about a non-urgent medical, administrative or prescription issue by clicking HERE.
This short online form is the quickest and simplest way for the majority of our patients to access our team for assistance. Our phone lines remain open for anyone with accessibility needs who might find difficulty completing this form.
Important
Please do not use this online form for urgent or emergency requests. The submitted forms will only be read during office hours.
The forms will not be read on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) or on bank holidays.
They will not be read Monday-Friday between the hours of 1800 – 0900.
Please contact 111 during out of hours or 999 if this is an emergency.
We are using a new online service called Register with a GP surgery that makes it easy to register with Acorn Surgery.
Just fill in this quick online form to start the process. You do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number.
The service is designed and run by the NHS, so your personal information is safe. It cuts our administrative workload and makes it easier for you to register.
Paper forms are still available if you need one.
About Records Access
Using the NHS App on your phone or tablet or the NHS site on a computer you can view your medical records
The system allows you to view your medical record over the internet. It allows you to easily and quickly view the electronic medical information held about you by your GP Practice.
The information is presented to you in a format that is easy to navigate and offers you links to resources such as patient information leaflets about diseases, tests, investigations, support groups and medications etc.
What can I see on the system?
The system allows you to view the following areas of your medical record:
- A summary that gives you the most important and recent entries in your health record.
- Consultations including: date, practitioner seen, reason for visit, history, examination, outcome, investigations, etc.
- Medical Record showing diagnoses, investigations, and procedures
- Allergies.
- Patient Information Leaflets linked from the diagnoses in the medical record section.
- Results showing all investigations such as blood results, liver tests, blood pressure etc.
- Vaccinations.
- Medications.
- Letters to and from the GP.
Advantages to you, the patient:
- No queuing to get results
- You can check the accuracy of your medical record
- You are empowered to become more involved in your own medical care
REMEMBER – To protect your privacy, as with all password protected applications on the internet, logout of the system when you are finished.
Accessing your GP-held records via the NHS app or NHS website
Patient access to electronic health records – the steps taken to protect your privacy
You now have access to the ‘full’ record where you will be able to see everything, including the notes which have been written by doctors, nurses and others involved in your care, at the GP surgery, and elsewhere from November 2023.
It’s important to remember that these documents may, at times, contain information that could be upsetting, especially if they contain news of a serious condition. It can also be a cause for worry seeing results online when it isn’t clear what the results might mean, and no one is available to ask, as can be the case during the evening or at weekends, for example.
Sometimes people with a mental health condition might prefer not to see documents that remind them of difficult times in their life. Letters from mental health teams sometimes go into detail about past events, and great care would be needed in deciding whether you would want to see these letters. It is possible for individual items to be hidden at your request and we would be happy to talk about any concerns you may have.
Great care is also needed in case private details might cause harm at home, should people in a difficult or pressured relationship be forced to show their medical record to an abusive partner. Anyone in such a position should make this clear to us at the practice, so we can take steps to keep you safe. This might mean removing access through the NHS app for the time being, or through a careful process where we hide sensitive things. We would be happy to talk this through with you.
Maintaining Confidentiality
Passwords are very important when accessing personal information over the internet (from your bank, supermarket or General Practice) because systems on the web are built to discriminate very carefully when incorrect passwords are entered. Passwords should generally be case sensitive which means that not only is the correct order of letters, numbers and other characters is required but it is also essential also to use the correct upper and lower case letters.
Subject Access Request (SAR)
Please find further information on accessing your medical records through a SAR here.
Access to Prospective (Future) Medical information
People over 16 can now see new information added to their health record. This includes notes from appointments, test results, and letters. You can view this via the NHS App, NHS website, or another GP online app you use. If you don’t want to see your record, speak to your GP.
Important Information Regarding Access to Your Medical Records
What is Proxy Access?
Proxy access is a way for parents or guardians to view and manage their children’s online health records. It allows them to access important information about their child’s health, such as medical history, test results, appointments, and medications, through secure online platforms.
Benefits of Proxy Access:
- Better Communication: Proxy access helps parents and guardians stay informed about their child’s health, allowing them to have meaningful conversations and support their well-being.
- Coordination of Care: By accessing online health records, parents and guardians can coordinate appointments, medications, and treatments more effectively with healthcare professionals.
- Emergency Situations: In case of emergencies, proxy access allows parents or guardians to quickly access vital health information to ensure appropriate and timely care.
Risks and Considerations:
- Privacy Concerns: Sharing health information with parents or guardians may raise concerns about privacy. It’s important to discuss what information will be accessible and ensure that personal and sensitive data remains confidential.
- Confidentiality with Healthcare Providers: Some young people may feel more comfortable discussing personal health matters directly with healthcare providers. Proxy access might influence how open they are during consultations.
- Autonomy and Independence: Allowing proxy access means parents or guardians can monitor their child’s health more closely. Some young people may value their independence and prefer managing their health information themselves.
Making Informed Decisions:
- Open Dialogue: Talk to your parents or guardians about proxy access. Discuss your concerns, ask questions, and make sure you understand how it will affect your privacy and autonomy.
- Consent and Control: Remember that your consent is essential in deciding whether to allow proxy access. Ensure that you have control over the types of information your parents or guardians can access and set clear boundaries.
- Collaboration: Find a balance between involving your parents or guardians in your healthcare decisions and maintaining your autonomy. Consider involving them in discussions with healthcare providers to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Protecting Your Privacy:
- Secure Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your online health accounts and never share them with anyone, including your parents or guardians.
- Notification Settings: Check the notification settings on your online health platforms. You can receive alerts when your health information is accessed, helping you stay aware and in control.
- Ask for Help: If you have concerns about privacy, seek guidance from a trusted adult, teacher, or healthcare provider. They can provide advice and support in navigating this important decision.
Allowing proxy access does not need to be a permanent agreement and you can change your decision at any time by contacting the practice.
Proxy access to your records will stop at age 12, 16 & 18 and will need to be applied for again if required. Your consent will be needed, and you can decide again at that time if you wish for it to be granted.
| Under 12 Proxy Access | 12 and Over Parent Proxy | Proxy Online Access to Medical Records |
|---|---|---|
| Online Form | Online Form | Online Form |
| Downloadable Form | Downloadable Form | Downloadable Form |
| Proxy Access Information Leaflet – Children | Proxy Access Information Leaflet – Children |
Communication Needs contact form
Please inform the practice if you have any information or communication support needs or reasonable adjustments which you feel we need to know about. You can speak with us in person, by phone or email. The practice will always endeavour to accommodate your needs.
Find out more about Accessibility at Acorn Surgery.
Please complete this questionnaire to let us know if you require any communication or information support needs.
Friends & Family Test
The NHS Friends and Family Test (FFT) has been created to help us understand whether patients are happy with our service or where improvements are needed. It’s a quick and anonymous way to give your views after receiving NHS care or treatment.
Patient Participation Group Signup
Please complete and submit both of these forms to join our PPG.