Many practices are not ready for a launch next week of a new patient record access system, GP leaders have warned.

The British Medical Association last night told GPs not to take part if they are not ready, setting out guidance on how to opt out.

The “accelerated citizens’ access” will allow patients to access their records through the NHS App. It is due to be launched on 1 November. The BMA said it was “just too soon” for some practices – and has issued practices with a template letter they can use to request they are not converted to the new system.

English GP committee deputy chair Dr David Wrigley said: “It’s only right that patients have access to their GP-held medical records, but this must be done carefully and with the appropriate safeguards in place to protect them from potential harm. The current timeline of activating this new programme on November 1st is just too soon for some practices to do safely, which is why the BMA is advising those surgeries to write to their system supplier and request that activation is temporarily delayed. This will give them the extra time they need to make sure that any potentially harmful or sensitive data is reviewed and, if necessary, redacted, in the interests of the patient. We also feel additional support is needed for practices to implement this change.

“We have a duty of care to speak up when patient safety is at risk, which is why we encourage practices even slightly unsure about whether they can deliver this programme before the start of November, to refer to our guidance.”

The Royal College of GPs also raised concerns about next week’s launch.

A statement said: “However, it is clear as we enter the final days before the planned go-live date of 1 November that some of our members do not feel ready to implement automatic access safely for patients. This is despite their best efforts to prepare and despite the College’s work to support them in this. The workload and workforce crisis facing general practice severely limits the ability of GPs to engage with any additional programmes of work, with priority rightly given to providing direct care for patients. In addition, while some improvements have been made to redaction functionality, NHS England has not yet delivered on all of the technical solutions the College proposed last year. Practices should not be left to address these risks alone and before confirming go-live, NHS England must carefully consider the timescale in the light of the latest information about the situation on the ground.”