Using linked profiles to access services for someone else
As a parent, family member or carer, you may be able to access services for someone else using linked profiles. This is also sometimes called having proxy access. It needs to be set up by a GP surgery where you and the other person are both registered. You can then access the linked profile by using the NHS App or by logging in through the NHS website.
Who can use linked profiles
You can use linked profiles if:
- you and the other person are both registered at the same GP surgery
- your GP surgery has registered you for proxy access
- your GP surgery uses TPP (SystmOnline) or EMIS (Patient Access)
- Your GP surgery can tell you which system they use if you’re not sure.
What you can do with linked profiles
Your GP surgery controls what you can do with a linked profile. Depending on the level of proxy access your surgery agrees to give you, you may be able to switch profiles to act on behalf of another person and:
- book an appointment
- order a repeat prescription
- view some or all of their GP health record
How to add a linked profile
Tell your GP surgery that you would like to arrange proxy access for the person you care for. You both need to be registered at the same GP surgery. Your GP surgery will guide you through registration.
You’ll need to provide identification to your GP surgery so they can:
- confirm who you are
- check you are the correct person to act on the other person’s behalf
Switching to a linked profile
After your GP surgery has registered you for proxy access for one or more people, you can switch to a linked profile after logging in to the NHS App or website. You do not need to log in and out each time.
To act on behalf of another person:
- Log in to the NHS App or website.
- Select Linked profiles.
- Select the name of the person you want to act for.
When you switch to another person’s profile, a yellow banner at the top says Acting on behalf of and the person’s name.
Switching back to your profile
When you have finished using services on behalf of another person:
- Select the Switch profile link in the yellow banner at the top.
- Select Switch to my profile.
- Removing access to your profile
Your GP surgery can help if you have questions about removing access to your profile.
If you’re a young person, you may have questions about who has access to your profile as you get older. Before a child is aged 11, their parents usually control access to their health record and online GP services. When the child is aged between 11 and 16, parents may be allowed proxy access to their child’s online services, if the GP surgery agrees this is appropriate. This access ends when the child reaches the age of 16.
If you are aged 13 or over, and you are registered at a GP surgery in England or the Isle of Man, you can access your own profile in your NHS App.
If you’re aged between 11 and 16, and you have questions about who can access your health record or online services, contact your GP surgery.