Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker Service

NHS England is giving people access to their GP health records via the NHS App and other GP online services. Better access enables patients to become partners in managing their health. This will help reduce queries to practices, such as those regarding negative test results and referral letters.

GP practices across the country have started to let their patients see new health record entries online as part of a phased rollout. This means that patients will be able to see notes and documents related to all face-to-face, telephone and video GP appointments occurring from the switch on date. They will also be able to see test results and letters from other health and care professionals that have been added to their health record.

People who have experienced, or are experiencing, domestic violence or sexual abuse are potentially at risk from these changes to patient record access. This is because a coercive partner may force an individual to show their health records when they do not want to.

At Ireland Wood & Horsforth Medical Practice, we continue to update staff and patients to different charities and safeguarding organisations that are accessible and can drastically help patients get the help they need in various difficult situations.

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting victims of crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. They believe no-one should ever experience abuse or harm of any kind, and that they have a responsibility to promote the welfare and best interests of all people to keep them safe and to carry out their work in ways that protect all people.