The NHS is still short of its target for putting GP records on-line, a process which is expected to reduce pressure on practices, it has been announced.

More than 80% of practices have now uploaded patient records and made them available on the NHS app – but the target is to achieve this for 90% by March. NHS England said 23.5 million people can now view their records on-line on the NHS app.

The system should allow patients to see test results and consultation notes. Access is meant to be a legal right and NHS England yesterday urged the remaining practices to ensure their records are linked to the new service. One GP using the system told how it could save time for patients and practices when test results arrive.

Dr Shammy Noor, from Darwin Medical Practice, Lichfield, said: “I now often put notes from a consultation into the patient’s record together with any instructions, so that when they open the app at home all the information is there rather than them having to write it down on paper which they could lose. We say to patients go and have your blood tests. Have a look at the app and there will be a note from the doctor on there with what you need to do. This enables the patient to be part of their health journey”.

Vin Diwakar, National Director for Transformation at NHS England said: “In October alone, more than nine million people viewed their health records through the NHS App which means they can manage their own heath better while GP practices are seeing a reduction in telephone calls for things like test results. Boosting patient records access will undoubtedly bring improvements for both patients and staff. More than 4,500 practices across the country have given patients access to their future records and we strongly encourage the remaining practices to implement the change with support available to help the practices that are having challenges delivering this service to patients.”