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Apply for access to a child's GP services

Use this service to apply for access to the GP services of a child aged under 16. This is sometimes called having proxy access.

Information:

You can only get online access to a child's GP services if you are their parent or guardian with legal parental responsibility.

Find out more about parental responsibility on GOV.UK.

How this service works

If you apply using this service, we'll send your application to your GP surgery. They will do some checks and set up access in their clinical systems. You can then access the child's GP services in the NHS App by switching profiles.

Checks the GP surgery will make

It's very important to keep children's medical information safe.

Before giving you access, the GP surgery may need to check:

  • proof of parental responsibility, for example a birth certificate
  • with anyone else that shares parental responsibility with you
  • that the child consents to your access (agrees to it) or lacks capacity to consent, if they are 11 or over
Accessing GP services

If your GP surgery approves your access and sets it up, you can access the child's GP services by switching profiles in the NHS App or by logging in to the NHS website.

You may be able to:

  • book an appointment for them
  • order a repeat prescription for them
  • view some or all of their GP health record

Who can use this service

Use this service if you are:

  • the parent, or guardian with legal parental responsibility, of the child you're applying for
  • both registered at the same GP surgery

If you're applying about someone aged 16 or over, you can use Apply to manage someone's GP services for them, or get help managing yours instead.

Important: Only available at some GP surgeries

You can only use this service if your GP surgery is taking part in this trial.

GP surgeries using this service

Before you start

Information:

GP surgeries will usually ask children aged 11 or over if they agree to your access. This is called consent. If the child is aged 11-15, you should talk to them about your application before you apply.

Find out more about young people and consent.

You'll need to give the child's details. We'll ask for their:

  • name
  • date of birth
  • NHS number or postcode (using their NHS number is the best way for us to identify them)

You'll need to use your NHS login. If you do not have one yet, you can set one up as part of your application.

Start now

By using this service, you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy.

If you cannot use this service

If you are not able to use this service, ask your GP surgery if you can set up proxy access another way.

Page last reviewed: 3 October 2023
Next review due: 3 October 2024