From April, there will be a new way for patients to apply for proxy access digitally using the NHS App.

What is proxy access?

Proxy access allows a patient to give a family member or carer permission to book appointments, request prescriptions, and view medical records or test results on their behalf. This is especially useful for patients who need support managing their healthcare.

What is changing?

Right now, patients who want to set up proxy access are told to contact your GP practice to complete a paper application. From April 2025, your practice will have the option to enable a new digital application process through the NHS App. This means patients can apply online, and your practice will receive completed applications by email—reducing paperwork and administrative workload. This new service in the NHS App will be available for your GP Practice to enable from 14 April 2025.

Key benefits for your practice are:

• less admin work: fewer phone calls and paper applications
• secure and efficient: digital applications ensure correct patient details and reduce manual updates
• improved patient experience: families can manage healthcare tasks more easily, leading to fewer appointment cancellations and follow-ups.

What do you need to do?

To get started, we’ve attached a GP Readiness Checklist, which includes:

• a form to opt in and enable the service at your practice
• videos showing the patient’s journey in the NHS App
• legal guidance and training resources
• details of online awareness sessions for you and your team

Your practice can go live on a date that works for you, with options available from 14 April 2025 to 12 May 2025. These dates and the confirmation form are included in the checklist.

The proxy application service lead, will be coming to the GP webinar in the near future to discuss this project in more detail. For any questions, please email the National Proxy Service team at england.nhseimprovingproxyaccess@nhs.net.