Your health record is one of the most useful documents you have. It holds the story of your care: the conditions you have been treated for, the medicines you take, the tests you have had, and the advice you have been given along the way. Being able to read it can help you feel more in control, prepare better for appointments, and spot anything that does not look right.
In this guide, you will learn what NHS health records typically contain, the main routes for accessing them, how to set up online access step by step, how to request records for a child or another adult, what to do if information is incorrect or missing, and how to keep your records secure. The aim is to make the process clear and manageable, whatever your starting point.
What Are NHS Health Records?
Your NHS health record is not a single file. It is a collection of information created by the healthcare professionals involved in your care. The most detailed part is usually your GP record, because your GP practice is often the first point of contact and holds a long-term summary of your health. Hospital, specialist clinic, and community service records are held separately by the organisations that provided that care.
Depending on your circumstances, your records may include:
- Diagnoses and long-term conditions
- Medicines, doses, and repeat prescriptions
- Allergies and adverse reactions
- Vaccination and immunisation history
- Test and scan results, such as blood tests and imaging reports
- Referrals, clinic letters, and discharge summaries
- Notes from consultations and appointments
- Height, weight, blood pressure, and other measurements recorded over time
What You Can Usually See Online
Online access has expanded significantly in recent years. Many people can now view a large portion of their GP record themselves, including:
- A list of current and past medications
- Allergies and recorded reactions
- Immunisation history
- Recent test results and clinical letters
- Coded consultation entries, and in many cases the written notes made during appointments
- Appointment history and the status of referrals
What Might Not Appear Online
It is normal for some information to be missing from what you can see. Older paper records may never have been fully digitised, and hospital or specialist records are often held in separate systems. Occasionally, a clinician may withhold a specific entry if they believe seeing it could cause serious harm, or if it contains information about another person. If you need those details, you can request them formally rather than relying on the online view.
The Main Ways To Access Your NHS Health Records
1. Through the official NHS app or website
This is the quickest route for most people. Once your identity is verified and your account is linked to your GP practice, you can log in from a phone, tablet, or computer to view your record, order repeat prescriptions, and check appointments.
2. Through your GP practice’s own online services
Many practices offer their own online portal or provide access through a supported third-party service. Your practice reception team can tell you which option is available and give you the registration details you need.
3. By asking your GP practice directly
You can simply ask to see your record. Practices can usually print a summary of your medications, allergies, and health conditions at short notice, and can arrange for you to view more detailed information by appointment.
4. By making a formal written request
For a full copy of your records, including historical or hospital-held information, you can make a written request to the organisation that holds them. This is often called a subject access request. It can be made by letter or email, does not usually require a specific form, and is normally free of charge.
5. By appointing someone to act for you
If you would prefer a family member or carer to handle your requests, you can give them written permission, or they can apply on your behalf if they hold formal authority such as a lasting power of attorney.
How To Set Up Online Access: Step by Step
- Be registered with a GP practice. Online access is linked to your practice record, so you will need to be registered before you begin.
- Download the app or visit the website. Choose the official route or the one your practice recommends.
- Create an account and verify your identity. You may be asked to provide photo identification, such as a passport or driving licence, and sometimes a short video or photograph of yourself.
- Link your account to your practice. This may happen automatically, or you may need registration details from your practice reception team.
- Request record access if it is not already switched on. Some practices enable full record access by default; others require you to ask.
- Log in and explore. Start with your medication list and recent test results, which are usually the easiest sections to understand.
If You Cannot Verify Your Identity Online
This is common and easy to resolve. Visit your GP practice in person with photo identification and proof of your address, and ask them to set up online access for you. They can provide the login details or registration documents you need.
Accessing Records For Someone Else
Parents and guardians can usually manage online access for young children, although this access is often reviewed as the child grows older and their right to privacy increases. For an adult who lacks the capacity to manage their own access, a person with appropriate legal authority can apply for proxy access. In all cases, the organisation holding the record will need to be satisfied that the request is legitimate and in the person’s best interests.
Accessing Records Of Someone Who Has Died
Records of a deceased person can sometimes be released to a close relative or to the executor or administrator of their estate. You would normally apply in writing to the organisation that holds the records, explaining your relationship and why you are asking. Records are kept for a set period after death, so it is worth applying as early as you can.
How Long Does It Take, And Does It Cost Anything?
Online access is usually available immediately once your account is set up. For written requests, organisations are generally expected to respond within one month, although this can be extended by up to two months if the request is complex or involves a large volume of information. Access to your own records is normally free, though a small copying or postage charge may occasionally apply for printed copies.
If Your Records Are Wrong Or Incomplete
Errors do happen, and you are entitled to ask for them to be corrected. Factual mistakes, such as a wrong date of birth, an incorrect medication dose, or a test result recorded against the wrong person, can usually be amended. Where the entry reflects a clinician’s professional opinion, it may not be deleted, but a note can be added recording your view. Contact the practice or organisation that created the entry and explain clearly what you believe is wrong.
Keeping Your Records Secure
- Use a strong, unique password that you do not use anywhere else
- Turn on two-factor authentication if it is offered
- Never share your login details, even with someone you trust
- Log out after using a shared or public device
- Review your record periodically so you would notice anything unexpected
Practical Tips Before Your Next Appointment
- Read your recent test results and note anything you want explained
- Keep an up-to-date list of your medicines, including doses
- Check that your allergies and conditions are recorded accurately
- Write down your questions in advance so nothing gets forgotten
- Download or print a summary to take with you to appointments elsewhere
When To Speak To A Healthcare Professional
If a result in your record is unclear, if information seems incorrect, or if you are worried about a symptom you have noticed, contact your GP practice or the service that provided your care. Your record is a tool to support those conversations, not a replacement for them. Interpreting results usually requires context that only a clinician who knows your history can provide.
Key Takeaways
- Your NHS health record is made up of information held by different services, with your GP record usually the most complete
- Most people can view a large part of their record online after verifying their identity
- For full or historical records, a written subject access request to the organisation holding them is the standard route
- Access for children and dependent adults is possible through proxy arrangements
- You can ask for factual errors to be corrected, and you can add your own note if you disagree with an entry
- Access is normally free, with responses to written requests generally provided within one month
Understanding your own health information puts you in a stronger position to take part in decisions about your care. Start with the online route if it is available to you, keep a note of anything that seems unclear, and raise it with your GP practice at your next contact.
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you have questions about your own health or your records, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
If you found this helpful, explore more practical, plain-language health guides on TotalMD.org — covering symptoms, treatments, preventive care, and how to make the most of the health services available to you.