Switch profiles

As a parent, family member or carer, you may be able to manage services for another person by switching to their profile. This is also sometimes called having a linked profile or having proxy access. It needs to be set up by a GP surgery where you and the other person are both registered. You can then switch profiles using the NHS App or by logging in through the NHS website. 

Setting up a linked profile

Your GP surgery will need to set up a linked profile. Both you and the other person need to be patients at the same surgery. Your GP surgery will guide you through registration.

You'll need to provide identification. This is so they can confirm who you are and check it’s appropriate for you to act for the other person.

Depending on the level of access your surgery agrees to give you, you may be able to switch profiles and:

  • book an appointment for the other person
  • order a repeat prescription for them
  • view some or all of their GP health record

How to switch profiles

To act for another person who you have a linked profile for:

  1. Log in to the NHS App or website.
  2. Select Switch profiles on the homepage.
  3. Select the name of the person you want to act for.

How to know when you are using a linked profile

How to switch back to your profile

Managing access to your profile

Your GP surgery can help you manage access to your own profile. This includes deciding what services other people can access for you and removing access to your profile.

Access to your profile as a younger person

 

Appointments

Book and manage your appointments, or contact your GP surgery using the NHS App.

 

 

Messaging in the NHS App

The messaging services available in your NHS App depend on your GP surgery or healthcare providers.

You may be able to:

  • view messages from your NHS healthcare services (through the NHS App Messaging service)
  • send messages to your GP surgery
  • request advice and view responses from your GP surgery, or follow up on things like test results (sometimes called an online consultation)
  • view and send messages between you and your healthcare provider (for example, from specialist doctors at a hospital)

You can also turn on notifications for the NHS App to find out about new messages. You cannot get notifications when accessing your NHS account through a web browser.

Access messaging

View messages from your NHS healthcare services

Send messages to your GP surgery

Request advice from your GP surgery, or follow up on things like test results

Receive messages and updates from your specialist doctors

Messaging providers in the NHS App

 

Technical issues with the NHS App

If you cannot use the NHS App on a mobile device, you can log in through the NHS website. You can then access services on your desktop, laptop computer, mobile or tablet using your web browser.

For technical problems with logging in, you can find support in the NHS login help centre.

If you have a technical problem that we have not answered in our help and support pages, contact the NHS App team.

  • Device compatibility
  • Web browser compatibility
  • Turning on JavaScript when using a computer
  • Using fingerprint, face or iris recognition (biometrics) on Android devices
  • Accessibility
  • Checking storage space on your device

More in NHS App technical information