Patients to access test results and GP records on the NHS app from November

Patients will be able to access test results and other information via the NHS app from November in a move that will free up GP surgery phone lines.

NHS England will switch on automatic access to GP records on November 1 following a year-long delay due to ‘safeguarding’ concerns.

For patients accessing more sensitive information, such as cancer test results, GPs will be able to customise how and when their records are shared.

NHS Scotland had a Covid status app but it was reprimanded the Scottish Government and NHS National Services Scotland failed to inform people how their personal information was used by NHS Scotland

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, of NHS England, said: ‘Improving patient access to health information on the NHS App will put patients in the driving seat when it comes to managing their own health.’

He added it would help free up GP phone lines for urgent calls.

The November date was confirmed in a letter to GPs last week. It said practices can ‘consider increasing the number of patients who have online access and/or enhance their level of access gradually over the coming months’.