If you care for someone, you may find yourself managing their GP appointments, prescriptions and other healthcare, as well as your own.
Did you know you may be able to manage their healthcare through your own NHS App?
This is called Family and Carer Access. It allows you to access NHS services on behalf of someone you care for, with the level of access agreed by their GP surgery.
A carer's experience
This issue was recently raised with Dementia Action Teesside by an unpaid carer whose husband has dementia. Marie Kerr, Project Development Manager, explains:
“This issue was raised by one of our clients whose husband, with dementia, had his own smartphone (although he can't use it because of cognitive decline). His wife and primary carer had to download a separate NHS app to manage his healthcare, while also downloading a separate app for her own healthcare. This had caused issues after she failed the verification process which locked her out of his app.
“We advised her to visit their GP as he can be added to her NHS app - a bit like having a Netflix account where you can have different accounts. This has now been done and she can now manage both of their health appointments etc on the one app on her phone.”
How can I set this up?
If you are helping someone with their healthcare, speak to your GP surgery and ask about Family and Carer Access. The GP surgery will need to check that the arrangement is appropriate. You may both need to complete a form and provide identification. The surgery will decide what level of access is appropriate. You do not necessarily have to be given access to everything in the person's health record.
Some GP practices are also taking part in a new NHS service which allows patients to apply for Family and Carer Access through the NHS App. If your GP practice is taking part, you may see an option to “Apply to access services for someone else” within the Family and Carer Access section of the app.
Below is a short video that explains how to switch between users within the NHS App once Family and Carer Access has been set up.
How to manage health services for others in the NHS App (BSL) - YouTube
Also, you do not need a smartphone or tablet to access your NHS account. You can also sign in through a web browser using your NHS App login details: Access your NHS account - NHS
What if we have different GPs?
This is where things can become more difficult.
At the moment, to use Family and Carer Access through the NHS App, you and the person you care for need to be registered at the same GP surgery. This can be a particular problem for carers who are looking after a parent or another family member who is registered at a different GP practice.
If you and the person you care for are registered at different GP surgeries, you can still ask their GP surgery about family and carer access. The surgery may be able to provide login details for an app or website that allows you to access their services on their behalf. Find out more, How to get family and carer access for adults - NHS
Getting support from your GP surgery as a carer
If you are an unpaid carer, make sure your GP surgery knows about your caring role and ask what support is available to you. It’s important to let your GP surgery know that you are a carer. If you haven’t already registered as a carer with your GP surgery and you live in South Tees, you can complete the GP Surgery Carer Identification Form and hand it in to your GP practice.
There are currently 13 GP practices that have achieved Carer Friendly Status through Teesside Mind, and several more working towards this status. These practices are working to better identify, recognise and support unpaid carers, so your GP surgery can be a good place to start if you need information, help or advice.
If you need help using the NHS app, the following organisations all offer FREE support to help people get online, use technology and access digital services.
Rekindle: Middlesbrough Council’s Digital Inclusion service runs sessions across libraries and community hubs.
Call: 0800 587 5184
Email: Spa_Rekindle@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Healthwatch: Currently running NHS app digital sessions in various locations across Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland, offering guidance and support on using the app and self-referral services.
Call: 0800 118 1691.
Email: healthwatchsouthtees@pcp.uk.net
Age UK Teesside: One-to-one and group support for anyone aged over 50 and living in Redcar & Cleveland
Call: Jane on 07577950134 or 01642 638968.
Glowsticks: Tea and Tech Drop-in
Every Thursday, 10 am to 12 pm
Unit 13-16, Dundas Arcade, Middlesbrough
