Proxy Access for Online Users

Proxy access was developed to allow someone other than the patient to access and manage parts of their GP online services account. The proxy is given their own online access account (rather than using the patient’s login details). It is often used by the parents or recognised carers of young children, and recognised carers of adults.

Before a child develops the capacity to make an informed choice about their health care or who might have proxy access to their records, the usual position would be for the parents of the child to control access to their child’s record and online services.

Children vary in the age at which they are able to make an independent and informed decision about who should have access to their record. Young people under the age of 16 who are competent may give consent to proxy access.
People aged 16 or above are assumed to be competent to make an independent and informed decision about whether to ask for someone to have proxy access to their GP online services and record, unless there is an indication that they are not.

Up until a child’s 11th birthday, the usual position would be for the parents of the child to control access to their child’s record and online services. Access to the detailed care record will be switched off automatically when the child reaches the age of 11, the proxy will still be able to order prescriptions and book appointments. Parents may continue to be allowed proxy access to their child’s online services, after discussion with the GP, if it is felt to be in the child’s best interests.

The parents access will be withdrawn when the child reaches their 16th birthday.

If you need to discuss proxy access, please contact our Patient Access Team.