NHS Proxy Access: How to View a Loved One’s Medical Records

Medically Reviewed by: Dr Jackie Gray, Public Health Expert and Retired GP
(Carents Trusted Reviewer Programme – Last reviewed July 2025)

NHS proxy access lets you log in to your own NHS App or online GP account (like Patient Access or SystmOnline) and switch to see your loved one’s records, with their permission.

With NHS proxy access, you can:

• Check their GP appointments and test results

• Order repeat prescriptions for them

• View their medical history, current medications, and allergies

• Make sure you have the most up-to-date information when supporting them

This is especially useful if they find technology hard to use, or simply want help managing their health.

Proxy access can make life easier if the person you care for:

• Lives with dementia, diabetes, Parkinson’s, or any other ongoing condition(s)

• Needs help keeping track of medical details

• Takes several different medications

• Wants you more involved in health decisions

Being able to see their records directly could  reduce miscommunications, speed up appointments, and help you spot problems earlier.

Each GP surgery has its own rules, but the process usually looks like this:

1. Talk it through
   The person you care for needs to give permission (called ‘consent’ by the NHS).
   
   

2. Ask their GP practice
   You might need to:

• Fill in a proxy access request form
• Show photo ID
• Confirm your relationship and why you need access
• Make sure they have their own email address (you can create one with their permission
  
  

1. Wait for approval
   Once set up, you’ll be able to switch between your own account and theirs in the app or GP website.

If you’re wondering how to access someone else’s NHS records, the easiest way is through the NHS App once proxy access is set up. After logging in to your own account, you’ll see an option to switch to the profile of the person you care for.

This gives you the same view they would have, including test results, prescriptions, and appointment details.

If you prefer a desktop, you can use your GP surgery’s online system instead. Make sure both you and your loved one keep your login details private. This isn’t about snooping; it’s about making sure nothing important slips through the cracks.

If anything looks unclear, note it down so you can ask their GP or pharmacist for clarification.

If your loved one can’t give permission for example, due to dementia or a stroke, you may still be able to get access if:

• You have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Health and Welfare

• You can show you’re acting in their best interests

The GP will decide what level of access is appropriate.

If you’re not confident with technology, getting help is essential. Start by asking your GP surgery if they can show you how to navigate the system, some offer printed guides or will walk you through it in person. You can also practise on your own account before switching to your loved one’s profile.

If you have family or friends who are good with apps, ask them to guide you step-by-step. For carents without smartphones, many GP systems offer a website version that works on laptops or tablets.

The goal is to make proxy access a tool you use with ease, not another source of stress.

• You can ask for limited access if you don’t need the full record

• Access can be reviewed or removed if circumstances change

• Always respect their privacy and use the information responsibly

When you view an elderly parent’s medical records for the first time, it can be overwhelming. You might see medical terms or abbreviations you don’t recognise. Don’t panic, you don’t have to understand every single detail.

Focus first on the basics: their active medications, upcoming appointments, and any recent test results. Keep a simple notebook or app where you jot down questions to ask at their next appointment. If you’re unsure about a term, NHS.uk has a reliable glossary you can check.

Remember, you’re not replacing medical professionals, you’re helping keep track so your parent’s care runs smoothly. Over time, you’ll get used to the layout and what’s important to monitor.

Proxy access allows you to quickly check the date, time, and location of appointments, without needing to rely on them to remember or keep letters safe. This can be especially valuable if they’ve missed appointments before or experience memory difficulties.

You can also see any notes from previous visits, so you arrive informed and ready to discuss their needs.

Keep a small folder or digital file with their appointment letters, test results, and prescription changes. That way, if a doctor asks when something happened, you can answer with confidence.

Using proxy access to manage prescriptions for elderly parents might  save you from last-minute pharmacy runs. You can see exactly when repeat prescriptions are due and order them before they run out.

This is particularly valuable if they take multiple medications or live far from the pharmacy.

Some NHS Apps allow you to nominate a pharmacy for collection or home delivery, which cuts down travel time. Set a recurring reminder in your phone or calendar to check their prescription list each month.

If you spot anything that doesn’t match what they’re currently taking, speak to the GP before ordering, mistakes can happen, and catching them early avoids stress.

NHS proxy access can make it far easier to manage appointments, prescriptions, and medical details, and it helps you avoid chasing information from busy surgeries.

If you think it would help, phone or visit your GP surgery and ask how to apply. If you’re unsure how to navigate the records, speak to a healthcare professional.

Medically reviewed by Dr Jackie Gray, July 2025