Confidentiality & Consent for Teenage Patients
Accessing medical services from 13 years old
In primary care, children aged 13 and over can begin accessing their doctor’s services independently, including using the NHS app or other apps and websites. Your doctor can set this up and ensure you understand your medical information and how to keep it and yourself safe.
Accessing services yourself at this age does not mean your parent or guardian access stops. You must continue to share access with them until you turn 16.
Accessing medical services from 16 years old
At the age of 16, patients are treated as adults in primary care. This means parent or guardian access to medical records stops automatically, unless you give explicit consent for them to continue.
As part of this process:
- Any parent or guardian telephone numbers on the patient record will be removed unless consent has been provided.
- Patients will be asked to provide or update their own contact information.
- Parents or guardians contacting the practice via online consultation on behalf of a patient aged 16 or over should be aware that staff cannot discuss the patient’s information without their consent.
Teenage patients can provide consent for parents or guardians to continue accessing medical records, either in full or for specific areas.
Separate forms are required if more than one parent or guardian is to have access. You can download our consent form here.
Patients can also nominate another trusted person to access their medical records. Please note that consent cannot be given via online consultation or email.
Safeguarding and Support
Your safety and wellbeing are our priority. Even though patients aged 16 and over are treated as adults, the practice will:
- Support teenagers who may be at risk or vulnerable and take appropriate safeguarding action when necessary.
- Encourage open communication and provide guidance about confidential services, including mental health, sexual health and other sensitive issues.
- Ensure that patients know they can seek help independently and that they are protected under the law, even if parents or guardians are not involved.
For more information on the NHS policy for consent: click here
