Turning 16 and Online GP Access
As you approach your 16th birthday, it's important to understand who can access your health information and how you can manage your GP services.
As you approach your 16th birthday, it's important to understand who can access your health information and how you can manage your GP services.
When you turn 16, you are usually considered able to make your own decisions about your healthcare and who can access your medical information.
This means we review:
Proxy access allows another person, such as a parent, guardian, or carer, to:
When you turn 16, we will review any existing proxy access arrangements to ensure they remain appropriate and reflect your wishes.
If you're happy with your current NHS App and proxy access arrangements, you don't need to contact us.
Your existing access arrangements will remain in place unless a review is required for clinical, safeguarding, or administrative reasons.
You can choose to have your own NHS App and online services account, allowing you to:
If you choose this option, any existing proxy access to your medical record will be removed.
Many young people choose to manage some aspects of their healthcare themselves while still receiving support from a parent or guardian.
For example, you may wish for someone to be able to book appointments on your behalf but not view your medical record or test results.
We can discuss the available options and tailor access arrangements to suit your needs.
If you are approaching your 16th birthday and would like to make changes to your current access arrangements, please contact the practice by email if you would like:
In some circumstances, we may need to review access arrangements more carefully where there are safeguarding concerns or other factors that mean access may not be appropriate.
Any decisions will be made with your best interests, confidentiality, and safety in mind.
If you have any questions, please contact the practice team. We will be happy to explain your options and help you decide what is right for you
The NHS App is a secure way to access online GP services. Depending on the access available to you, you may be able to:
No. Using the NHS App or online services is entirely optional.
Yes. Once you are 16, you can request your own NHS App and online services access.
Yes. If you would like a parent, guardian, or another trusted person to continue helping you, proxy access may be able to remain in place or be adjusted to meet your needs.
In some cases, yes. Different levels of proxy access may be available depending on your circumstances and what is considered appropriate and safe. Please contact the practice if you would like to discuss your options.
You can contact the practice at any time to request a review of who has access to your healthcare information.
Healthcare professionals have a duty to keep your medical information confidential. Information will only be shared with others where appropriate, where you have agreed to it, or where there are concerns about the safety or wellbeing of you or someone else.
That's completely fine. If you would like advice about your options, please contact the practice and a member of the team will be happy to help.
In some situations, access arrangements may need to be reviewed more carefully. Any decisions made will prioritise your safety, wellbeing, and best interests.