Giving another person access to your GP online services
Did you know that you can choose to give another person access to your GP online services on your behalf? You don’t need to know how to use these services or have a computer yourself to give another person access.
Who can have access?
You choose who you want to give access to. This could be your carer, partner, parent or another family member. You can also give access to more than one person. Giving access to another person is your choice. No-one can go to your GP surgery and ask for access to your online services without your permission.
You also choose which online services you want each person to use. These are booking appointments, ordering repeat prescriptions and looking at your GP record. You decide whether to let them use one, two or all of the services on your behalf.
Why you may want to give another person access
You may wish to allow another person to use your online services for different reasons. For example:
- You are very unwell or just need help managing your health
- You have a long term condition ,for example diabetes, heart disease, asthma or high blood pressure and would like support with checking test results, ordering repeat prescriptions and understanding your treatment
- You are finding it more difficult to look after yourself, for example due to memory issues or speech difficulties
- You have learning difficulties and want someone else to help you understand your health
- You have a carer who can help you manage your health
- You may be planning for the future or choosing someone to hold lasting power of attorney for health and social care for you
- You are a young person and would like your parent or guardian to look after your health. Some surgeries only allow this for children under the age of 12
- You work away from home or are just busy and need help with booking appointments or ordering repeat prescriptions.
- You are not comfortable with using computers, smart phones, or tablets
For more information on GP online services for carers, see our leaflets ‘GP online services for carers including young carers’ and ‘Giving employed carers access to your GP online services’. These can be found at Getting started with GP online services.
