What is Patient Access
Patient Access is an on-line service for you to use at home 24/7 If you have a computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone.
It allows you to manage your appointments, prescriptions and health matters easily and at your convenience. All information that is sent to us via Patient Access is secure. Your personal details are encrypted and protected using the highest standard internet security, so it cannot be intercepted. Only you and the surgery are able to see this information. It is easy to register and straight forward to use by logging on with a username and password.
Levels of registration
There are two levels of registration for Patient Access at Sandy Lane Level 1 and Level 2
LEVEL 1
Any one can register straight away as long as you are over 16 years of age. You will be able to:
- Order repeat prescriptions on the go and see the progress
- Make and cancel appointments - (appointments available on-line mirror those available if you were to phone the surgery)(fresh appointments are released online daily at 8am)
- View your immunisations and allergies (anywhere)
- Send private messages to the surgery (not for prescriptions or complaints)
- Update your contact details
- If you take ill away from home you can show other healthcare workers a list of your medications to help them treat you
This is very helpful for patients who have busy lives and can not always telephone at 8am to make an appointment.
LEVEL 2
You must have been registered with the surgery for a minimum of 6 months & be at least 16 years old
LEVEL 2 includes the access detailed above plus the access detailed below:
- View all coded information in your records for example a diagnosis or problem
- View all filed test results
- View all documents including hospital letters etc.
- If you take ill away from home you can show other healthcare workers a detailed summary to help them treat you
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU REGISTER FOR LEVEL 2
Forgotten history
There may be something you see in your records that you have forgotten and may upset you.
Abnormal blood results or bad news
If you have access to your blood results and hospital letters you may see information before your doctor does. This may be abnormal test results or bad news and you may not be able to speak to your doctor straight away.
Misunderstood information
Your medical record is designed to be used by clinical professionals to ensure you receive the best possible care. Some of the information within your medical record may be highly technical, written by specialists and not easily understood. Please do not google wait till you can speak directly with a doctor to clarify things for you.
Information about someone else
If you spot anything in your medical record that does not apply to you or is information about someone else please contact the surgery ASAP.
If the doctor decides that being allowed to access your full medical record may not be in your best interest a full explanation will be given or you may be invited in to discuss it with the doctor first.
Confidentiality
It will be your responsibility to keep your login details and password safe and secure. If you know or suspect that your record has been accessed by someone that you have not agreed should see it, then you should change your password immediately. If you are having trouble use the on-line support centre but if your problem persists you can contact us on 01772 214690 or email ann.walker3@nhs.net (please note that this department is not manned 24/7.)
If you print out any information from your record, it is also your responsibility to keep this secure. If you are at all worried about keeping printed copies safe, we recommend that you do not make copies at all.
Sharing your information with someone else
It is up to you whether or not you allow someone else maybe a relative or carer to run your account for you or to have any access at all to your medical records but it is your responsibility to keep the information safe and secure.
Coercion
If you think you may be pressured into revealing any details from your medical record against your will, it is best you do not register for this online service at this time.
The practice has the right to remove online access to services for anyone that doesn’t use them responsibly. If you have been refused access a full explanation will be given to you or you may be asked to come in to the surgery to discuss access with a GP. Remember your account is for your use only you cannot make appointments for anyone else.
More information
For more information about keeping your medical records safe and secure, you will find a helpful leaflet produced by the NHS in conjunction with the British Computer Society: Keeping your online health and social care records safe and secure
http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/records/healthrecords/Documents/PatientGuidanceBooklet.pdf
How to register
Down load an application form here - ONLINE SERVICE APPLICATION FORM Please read this carefully.
Fill the form in completely and bring it with your I.D. which could be a passport or a driving licence and a utility bill into the surgery. (If for some reason you cannot get to the surgery or have no ID please contact reception we can still register you)
The receptionist can register you straight away for LEVEL 1. A Doctor must grant access for you to have LEVEL 2 If for any reason the GP refuses to grant you permission to view any areas, a full explanation will be given or the GP might insist on an appointment to discuss this with you before Level 2 is granted. Level 2 is very helpful for patients who want to take an active role in looking after and monitoring a long term illness or chronic disease.
The practice has the right to deny or remove online access to services for anyone that doesn’t use them responsibly.
NOTE * Your details must be an exact match to those we have on our practice system and unique to you including your mobile telephone number and email address. If your details are not up-to-date on our system then please inform us first.
If you are using a mobile phone or tablet for patient access DOWNLOAD THE APP from your app store
Useful links
Click here for more information http://www.patient.co.uk/patient-access.asp
Sharing your records through patient access information leaflet
Click here for frequently asked questions Patient Access Help
If you have any questions about Patient Access, please contact Ann Walker at the surgery on 01772 214690 or email:- ann.walker3@nhs.net