You can opt-out from having your confidential data (i.e. data that can identify you) being used for purposes beyond direct care, such as research and planning. To do this, you can check or change your preferences at www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters on-line and follow the instructions if you wish to opt out. This opt-out is recorded against your NHS number on the NHS ‘spine’.

You can find out more about how your patient information is used at:

https://www.hra.nhs.uk/information-about-patients/

NHS App

You can also use the NHS App to opt-out

We use an online portal called Patient Access which gives you the abiliity to see your own patient record. This includes

• Your medication and repeat prescriptions
• Test results
• Allergies
• Immunisations
• Documents including letters

You can also use the system to securely share parts of your medical record with others. 

Please note we are phasing out Patient Access and will be using the NHS App as our primary option for online services

If you have had tests at the Nightingale Practice and have not been recalled, this usually means your test results are normal and don’t need further action.  However, you can check your results using the NHS App, without making an appointment.

If you are a mobile phone user the easiest way to see your test results and patient record is to use the official NHS App.  

You can see: 

• Your medication and repeat prescriptions
• Test results
• Allergies
• Immunisations

To use it the first time, you will need to have some photo iD such as a passport or driving license so that the NHS can verify your identity, but you only have to do that once.

You can also access your NHS account using the NHS website by clicking here

There is a Central NHS Computer System called the Emergency Care Summary (ECS). The Emergency Care Summary is meant to help emergency doctors and nurses help you when you contact them when the surgery is closed. It will contain information on your medications and allergies.

Your information will be extracted from practices such as ours and held securely on central NHS databases.   

As with all systems there are pros and cons to think about. When you speak to an emergency doctor you might overlook something that is important and if they have access to your medical record it might avoid mistakes or problems, although even then, you should be asked to give your consent each time a member of NHS Staff wishes to access your record, unless you are medically unable to do so.

On the other hand, you may have strong views about sharing your personal information and wish to keep your information at the level of this practice. If you don’t want an Emergency Care Summary to be made for you, tell your GP surgery. Don’t forget that if you do have an Emergency Care Summary, you will be asked if staff can look at it every time they need to. You don’t have to agree to this.