Patients in England whose practices use the TPP and EMIS systems, and who have online accounts, can now see new entries made in their clinical records. We know this might raise some questions for practices - so here are some answers you might find helpful.

Do patients have to ask for access to new entries in their records?

For existing patients already using online access, the change is made automatically. New users set up with online access from April 2022 onwards have the same level of access by default. Clinicians and other practice staff therefore need to bear in mind that patients can see what is written in new entries. NHS Digital has more information on the new access arrangement.

In our own guidance on online access to records, we advise that those involved in creating the record think carefully about the purpose and content of the records, as well as the impact they may have on patients reading them.

Do patients now have access to historic records as well?

The aim is that patients will be able to access historic records through the NHS app at some point during 2022. However, they will not see past health record information unless they have been given access to it by their GP practice. This will give practices the chance to review records to ensure access is appropriate.

Citizen access to records: advice for GP practices

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Citizen access to records: advice for GP practices