The letter contains hyperlinks on the basis it will most frequently be sent out via a link in a text message, if a practice intends to send it in a printed format it is advisable to write out the full URLs in the body of the letter to avoid confusion.
The main points covered are:
- Abnormal results or bad news.
- Choosing to share information with someone the patient knows.
- Coercion (including recent BMA guidance).
- Proxy access.
Possible patient queries addressed are:
- Only being able to see records form their current practice following a recent switch of practices.
- Amending or deleting information they believe is incorrect.
- Not being able to understand information in the record.
- Where information appears to require an action by the practice.
- Information about someone else appearing in the record.
- Access for patients aged under 16-years-old.
- Not being able to see any of their record in the NHS App.
A previous version of this letter made reference to records access coming into effect on 31 October 2023, on 1 November the letter was updated to reflect patients already have access to their records.