NHS & Medical Records
Guidance on updating your health records, GP registration, and the NHS App.
Ensuring your medical records are updated is vital for patient safety. Your NHS record links your prescriptions, specialist referrals, and emergency information. When you change your name via Deed Poll, you must notify your healthcare providers to maintain a consistent medical history.
STEP 1 Contact Your GP Surgery
Your GP surgery acts as the "gatekeeper" for your NHS records. You will need to provide them with your Original Deed Poll. They will update their local clinical system, which then synchronises with the central NHS Personal Demographics Service (PDS).
The NHS App and Digital Records
Once your GP has updated your records, the change will automatically filter through to the NHS App. This can take anywhere from 24 hours to a week. You do not usually need to contact the NHS App support team directly to change your name.
Important: Gender Recognition
If you are changing your name and gender, the NHS will often issue you a new NHS Number. This means your previous medical history must be manually transferred to your new record. It is important to discuss this with your practice manager to ensure no screening invitations (like cervical or bowel cancer screenings) are missed.
Dentists and Opticians
Private or NHS dentists and opticians maintain their own separate databases. You should present your Deed Poll at your next scheduled appointment to ensure your patient file and any future prescriptions are issued in your correct legal name.
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