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.
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.
Accessing your GP-held records via the NHS app or NHS website
As your GP practice, we have been asked to provide you with, no later than 31 October 2023, access to your full medical record going forward via the NHS app (and NHS website) if you have a suitable NHS login
Your GP medical record contains consultation notes based on conversations between you, your GP and their team: medicines prescribed to you; all test results including hospital investigations; allergies; vaccines; and your medical conditions along with documents that may have been sent from local hospitals, clinics or other agencies, eg the police. There is likely to be sensitive and personal information within your medical record.
We are supportive of providing you with access to your record, but we wish to do this safely, make you aware that this is happening and offer you the choice to opt in or out. You may wish to speak with us first to understand what it is that you will see, and the risks which may be involved in having such confidential data either on your smartphone with the NHS app installed or online if other people might have access to that information through your devices. If you are in a difficult or pressured relationship for example, you may prefer your records to remain accessible only to those treating you, with them not appearing on your smartphone or online. Government has been clear that if a patient does not wish to have access, then we do not have to provide it. This is one reason why we have it switched off for the time being.
For those who would like access, we are happy to explain the different levels you might like. Everyone can have access to their medication history and allergies, for example, and will be able to order their repeat prescriptions. It’s also possible to request access to what we call your ‘coded record’ where you can see a list of medical problems and results. You can also request 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.
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 talk this through with you.
Requesting access – what do I need to do?
The easiest way to get access is to create an NHS login through the NHS app on your smart phone. Although you can also access your GP records through the internet on a computer via https://www.nhsapp.service.nhs.uk/login
If you use the NHS app, you’ll have to set up an account using a unique e-mail address and then ‘authenticate’ yourself to the NHS system to prove you are who you say you are. This will involve confirming your name, date of birth and contact details. The NHS login has several levels of authentication and to gain access to your records you’ll need the highest level of authentication. This generally involves you recording a short video of yourself to prove you are a real person as well as uploading a copy of a suitable identification document. We can bypass this step issuing a third party authorisation if you are struggling, but you will need to have already signed up for online services via our website.
Once you have suitably authenticated yourself to the NHS app and created your NHS login you can approach your practice and ask for access, being mindful of the risks associated with access and the importance of not sharing passwords or having them stored in your smartphone if you think other people might want to see them without your permission. If you have any concerns, please let us know before requesting access.
There is an online form for you to complete, with your NHS login (this will be the email address you used to sign up). The purpose of the form is to specify your level of access and to ensure your understanding and agreement of your responsibilities and the risks associated with online access. It may be that the practice wishes to contact you to discuss your request if there are any concerns raised so that access can be given safely. We’re not sure how many people will ask for access all at once so there may be a wait, but we will do our best to get you online access as soon as we can.
To request online access please complete the request form via the link below
https://acornsurgery.com/practice-information/new-patients/online-services-registration/
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.
Remember, the choice of allowing proxy access to your online health records is personal. By discussing the benefits and risks with your parents or guardians, you can make an informed decision that respects both your privacy and your well-being.
Allowing proxy access does not need to be a permanent agreement and you can change your decision at any time by contacting the practice in one of the following ways
- Call 01480 483100 between 8.30am – 5:30pm
- Email acornenquiries@nhs.net
- In person at the Practice reception desk between 8am – 5.30pm
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.