21% of patients in England can now access their medical record online

As of September 2014, 21% of patients in England have been able to access their medical records online, a significant increase on 2% this time last year.

8 December 2014 – 17:20

The number of patients able to book their appointments and request repeat prescriptions has also jumped to 91% and 88% respectively.

NHS England’s Patient Online programme team has been working closely with practices across England to ensure they have the support they need to confidently offer these online services.

As well as a national network of implementation and clinical support services, practices continue to use the recently published the Patient Online Support and Resources Guide. This guide includes guidance and practice tools developed by the Royal College of GPs, as well as materials for patients, frequently asked questions, regional and local support arrangements and much more.

Focus will now turn to those practices who aren’t offering online services, finding out what the barriers are and what we can do to help them overcome them. Please contact us with any questions or feedback.

Progress in numbers at end of September 2014:

• 99% of general practices have the capability to allow patients to book or cancel appointments online.


• 91% of patients are registered with general practices that offer the ability to book or cancel appointments online.  This is up from 64% at the same point in the previous year.


• 98% of general practices have the capability to allow patients to view or order repeat prescriptions online.


• 88% of patients are registered with general practices that offer the ability to view or order repeat prescriptions online.  This is up from 64% at the same point in the previous year.


• 84% of general practices have the capability to allow patients to view their medical record online.


• 21% of patients are registered with general practices that offer the ability to view their medical records online.  This is up from 2% at the same point in the previous year.             

Source NHS England http://www.england.nhs.uk/2014/12/08/patient-online-increase/

21% of patients in England can now access their medical record online