More than three quarters of GP practices [84%] in the North West are now giving patients access to their health records online, thanks to the NHS primary care access recovery plan.

Instead of needing to contact their GP practice, 22 million people can now view test results and check their consultation notes on their smartphone or online through the NHS App.

The primary care access recovery plan, announced by the NHS in May, sets an ambition of nine in ten GP practices offering patients access to their records through the NHS App by March 2024.

The ambitious blueprint, which aims to make it quicker and easier for millions of people to access healthcare, also aims to free up to 10 million GP appointments a year by next winter while giving the public more choice in how they access care.

Access to all future records is a legal right for people and general practice is now required to give all patients aged 16 and over access to their new health record entries unless patients say they do not, or no longer wish, to have online access to their records, or if exemptions apply.

The app is already becoming a front door to health needs for millions of patients – one in four repeat prescriptions [2.7 million a month] are now made via the NHS App instead of people having to contact their GP. In the North West, there are 3.65 million registered users of the NHS App which accounts for 54% of GP patients aged 13 and up.

Online patient records are just one aspect of a package of measures to boost access for patients – the NHS is ensuring that all GP practices can upgrade their telephone systems to avoid the “8am rush” for an appointment with eight in 10 practices already upgrading, up from five in 10 last year.

Dr Paula Cowan, Medical Director for Primary Care in the North West said: “In a world where we can bank, order food and clothes online, we should also be able to view our medical records and test results.

“Increasing the numbers of people who can see their health information via the NHS App can only be good news for us all. It can reduce the amount you need to contact your practice, meaning those calling for an appointment can get through quicker.”

Some patients may already have access to their historic information, and those who do not can still request access to their historic records.

NHS England has worked with individuals and organisations of at-risk groups over the last 18 months, including victims and survivors of domestic abuse, to provide guidance to GPs on how to put safeguards in place to protect patients.

Over the last two years, NHS England has engaged with professional bodies, patient groups, charities and safeguarding leads, to support general practice, and health professionals in preparing for this change safely and effectively.

This includes guidance on how and when to either restrict or redact information for individuals who might be vulnerable or be at risk of serious harm by accessing their records.

Access to records has been successfully tested with GP surgeries and rolled out across the country to automatically give all patients access to new health record entries online. Having access to health information helps many patients have better conversations about their health with their doctor.

Dr Cowan added: “We understand not everyone will have access to online services, and for those patients, we have alternatives available.  But for those who can, I’d really recommend downloading and getting access to the NHS App.”

Access to your GP record can be made through the free NHS App or online account. If you haven’t downloaded the NHS App to your smartphone or tablet, you can find out how to do so securely online at https://nhs.uk/helpmeapp

If you have the NHS App and you cannot see new information on your health record online, speak to the GP surgery reception staff and ask for access.

Patients can find out more at https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/view-your-gp-health-record/.