Online Services - The NHS App and Patient Access

Registering for Online Services

Please note that you will need to register for online access before you can sign into the NHS App or Patient Access. If you wish to register for the NHS App or Patient Access please download and print the Application Form from here, there is a patient information leaflet available here that we recommend you reading.

Bring the application form along with the 2 forms of ID (1 photo ID and proof of address i.e. recent utility bill) to reception for verification.

The Admin Team will then process your application and will contact you with the details to complete the Online Registration process.

Please be aware that this initial process may take up to 2 weeks.

The NHS App

The Beckington Family Practice recommends that patients use the NHS App.

Owned and run by the NHS, the NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet.

We would like as many patients as possible to use the NHS App. Why? With the NHS App you can do any of the below, without having to travel to, or call the practice.

order repeat prescriptions - see your available medicines, request a new repeat prescription and choose a pharmacy for your prescriptions to be sent to
book some appointments - search for, book and cancel some appointments at your GP surgery, and see details of your upcoming and past appointments
check your symptoms - search trusted NHS information and advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments, and get instant advice or medical help near you
view your medical record - securely access your GP medical record, to see information like your allergies and your current and past medicines
register your organ donation decision - choose to donate some or all of your organs and check your registered decision
find out how the NHS uses your data - choose if data from your health records is shared for research and planning

Keeping your data secure

After you download the app, you will need to set up an NHS login and prove who you are. The app then securely connects to information from your GP surgery.

If your device supports fingerprint detection or facial recognition, you can use it to log in to the NHS App each time, instead of using a password and security code.

For more information and where to download the NHS App, click here. We also have a short handy guide to download here if you wish to install the app on your mobile phone.

If you already have the NHS App and need help or support, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NHS App?

The NHS App is an app that allows patients to access a range of NHS Services in a secure and simple way.

To find out more about the NHS App features and what you can use it for, click here.

How do I get the NHS App?

You will need a NHS account to access your services through the NHS App or website. To have an NHS account you must be aged 13 or over and registered with a GP Practice in England.

Once you have an NHS Account you can download and register to use the NHS App.

To get started on the NHS App, click here for further information.

What if I don't have photo ID to prove who I am whilst setting up the NHS App?

If you do not have photo ID to upload whilst setting up the NHS App, please see further information on how you can activate your account here.

Is the NHS App secure?

Once you have downloaded the NHS App you will need to set up a NHS login and prove who you are. The App then securely connects to information from us, your GP surgery.

If your device supports fingerprint detection or facial recognition you can use this method to log in to the NHS App each time you use it, instead of using a password and security code.

Potentially sensitive data is stored within the UK using technical architecture, processes and security features approved by the NHS. This assures compliance with regulatory and legal requirements for the UK, that is GDPR in general, Data Security and Protection Toolkit (NHS) and Cyber essentials (NHS).

Can I use the NHS App on behalf of my children or for an adult who requires support?

You can request proxy access on the NHS App for children under the age of 13, if you are the legal guardian. This is also referred to as a 'linked profile' in the NHS App.

Once you have set this up, you will have access to identical App features for the linked profile that you have for your own account, including booking some appointments.

To get proxy access (if you do not already have this), you will need to request this using our online access apllication form, which can be downloaded here. Fill this form out and return to the practice with the required ID, an information leaflet is available here.

Children aged 13 years and above must use their individual NHS App to access their medical records.

When an adult patient has been assessed as lacking capacity, access can be granted to a proxy acting in their interests. The level of access that is enabled is only that which is necessary for the performance of the applicant's duties. For example, it may be appropriate to enable appointment booking and ordering of repeat prescriptions but not full records accesss.

Ordering Repeat Prescriptions via the NHS App

Any repeat prescriptions should appear in the NHS App, you just need to select the medications you require and submit the request.

If you can't see your repeat prescriptions in the NHS App or need to request variable use medications, we suggest either logging into your Patient Access account here, drop a copy of the paper repeat prescription into the reception desk at Frome or Beckington surgeries or click here to fill in an online admin query form.

Patient Access

Patient Access gives you access to book some appointments, order repeat prescriptions and view your medical records. It also gives you lots of information on many health topics written by GPs.

If you need support after you have registered for Patient Access, please click here, this will take you to the Patient Access technical support page where you are able to contact Patient Access directly to resolve any issues that you may have with the Patient Access system.

Please note that the introduction of 2 factor authentication using an authenticator app has been introduced nationally by Patient Access and is not on request of the practice.

Support available to patients who need help with using NHS app or online form

Patients can attend digital health drop-in sessions for:

Help with downloading and using the NHS App.
Setting up linked profiles (also sometimes called Proxy Access) on the NHS App, which is particularly useful for family or friends who support patients with their prescription request.
Using the online prescription request forms available on our website.

The digital cafe takes place every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. in the cafe at the Cheese & Grain. No appointments are needed but patients are asked to bring their mobile phone or tablet with them if coming along to one of these sessions.