We are concerned that, from the 31st of October, all patient medical records will be automatically accessible through the NHS app – with some GP surgeries already doing so.

If you are worried about an abusive partner, ex-partner or family member gaining access to your personal medical information, our advice is to contact your GP and request that your data not be shared on the NHS app.

The British Medical Association’s (BMA) Data Protection Impact Assessment identified a number of risks, which can be mitigated by creating an ‘opt in’ system, whereby patients opt-in if they would like their records accessible via the app instead of having to opt out if they're worried.

We urge GP surgeries to consider this approach to protect those who, in having easily accessibly personal records, may be at risk.