A coalition of specialist Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) organisations, including Refuge, Women’s Aid, and the End Violence Against Women Coalition, alongside the British Medical Association (BMA), has raised serious concerns about the safety of survivors of domestic abuse and stalking. This comes as GP practices across England are required to grant patients remote access to their medical records via the NHS app by the end of the month.
Potential Risks to Survivors
The coalition warns that perpetrators of abuse may exploit this feature to gain access to sensitive information by coercing survivors into sharing access to the app or through other means. With 1 in 4 women experiencing domestic abuse and 1 in 5 experiencing stalking in their lifetime, the risks posed by this change are significant.
Ellen Miller, Interim CEO of Refuge, expressed deep disappointment in the lack of robust safeguards:
“These changes will allow perpetrators to gain access to survivors’ personal health records, including details on medications, reproductive and mental health, and disclosures of domestic abuse. Survivors must take steps to protect their safety by contacting their GP and requesting that access be turned off.”
GP Practices and Survivors Urged to Act
GP practices are contractually obligated to provide online access to medical records created from 1 April 2023 onwards. However, historical decisions and prior patient preferences mean some individuals may already have access to older records. Survivors are strongly encouraged to contact their GP practice and request that online access to their records be switched off to safeguard their privacy.
Steps for survivors include:
- Contacting the GP reception team to request that online access be disabled.
- Considering removing the NHS app from their device if it is safe to do so.
- Reviewing other medical apps for potential security vulnerabilities.
Practices are urged to proactively identify and exempt vulnerable patients, particularly those with safeguarding concerns. Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, Chair of the BMA GP Committee for England, emphasised:
“For most patients, access to records is a positive step forward. However, for vulnerable groups, this implementation creates significant risks. GP practices must act swiftly to protect those at risk of harm.”
Ongoing Advocacy for Safety Measures
VAWG organisations, along with the BMA, continue to call on NHS England to engage in meaningful discussions to improve safeguards for survivors. The coalition is advocating for measures that balance the benefits of remote record access with the need to protect vulnerable individuals. IRISi has also developed specific guidance for GPs on using the app in domestic abuse cases.
A Call to Action
The coalition, which includes more than 20 organisations, urges NHS England and government leaders to address the risks and improve safety provisions. Refuge and other organisations are committed to working with healthcare bodies to ensure survivors’ safety is prioritised.
For more information and updates, please visit the Refuge website at refuge.org.uk.
