4.4 Record keeping, confidentiality and information sharing

Your service set-up needs to consider consent from the person using the service to view relevant information in their NHS health record as part of the clinical safety process during the initial consultation.

In relation to private provision of weight management services, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) has said that the private prescriber “would need to go through the patient’s online records with them, to satisfy themselves that they are prescribing in line with relevant guidance”.

GP Connect Access Record became a national requirement from October 1, 2025, and with the person’s consent, permission to view (PTV) can be obtained.

It should be noted that a recent BMA survey of more than 1,300 GP practices in England revealed significant concerns about the Government’s new online requirements for GP practices including reduced patient access, added pressure on staff, a negative impact on care and safety worries. Doctors warned that the new online access rules are unsustainable and unsafe as the BMA entered into another dispute with the Government.

Consent is needed to share information with the GP about any treatment started by the pharmacist. This is crucial as otherwise the GP may be consulted about signs and symptoms of potential adverse reactions without knowing that the person is taking, say, a GLP-1.

Seeking consent at the start of the process, explaining why it is needed and recording that it has been verbally given, is an essential element of the service. Be clear about who the information will be shared with and the reasons for sharing.