Introduction

The person assigned as the next of Kin to have email address, phone number and access to mobile phone.  Able to understand english or language based on country of orgin.


Step 1 — Get the person’s clear consent (first and most important)

Action: ask the person to say (and ideally sign) that they want you to be their main contact, and what you are allowed to be told/do. Keep a signed note or short letter, dated and signed by them — this makes conversations with GP, hospital and social services far simpler. Health services usually rely on the patient’s instruction to share information. Patients Association

What to include in the note: patient’s name, NHS number (if known), a sentence like “I authorise [Your name, phone/email] to be my main contact and for health and social care teams to share relevant information with them,” date & signature.

Step 2 — Prepare the information & documents you’ll need

Have ready:

  • Full name of the person, DOB, NHS number (if known), address.

  • Your full name, relationship, mobile, email.

  • The signed consent note (see above).

  • Photo ID for you (some trusts may ask).

  • If you have one: certified copy of a registered LPA (health & welfare and/or property & affairs).

Keeping a single “Main Contact Pack” (PDF/photo on phone + a printed copy) is very helpful.

Step 3 — Update the GP record

Action: contact the GP practice (phone or secure message) and ask them to add you as the main contact / next of kin and to record that the patient consents to you being contacted about their care.

Why: hospitals often look at GP records to find who to contact; updating the GP record helps across care settings. You can update some NHS contact details via NHS services/apps too. NHS England Digital+1

Sample email / message to GP practice you can copy:

Subject: Please add [Your name] as main contact for [Patient name, DOB/NHS no]
Hello — please add the following person as the main contact for [patient name]:
Name: [Your name] — Relationship: [son/daughter/partner/etc] — Mobile: [ ] — Email: [ ]
The patient has signed and dated a short consent authorising staff to share relevant information with me. Please confirm when this is on file.
Thanks, [Your name / contact details]

Step 4 — Tell the hospital (at admission / outpatient) and show proof

Action: on admission (or before a planned appointment) tell admissions/ward staff you are the main contact and give them your contact details plus the signed consent. Bring photo ID and any LPA paperwork.

Important: remember hospitals will follow capacity and best-interests rules if the patient lacks capacity; being next of kin doesn’t automatically give decision-making power. If the person wants you to make decisions, they should make an LPA. UHS+1

What to bring to hospital visits:

  • Signed consent letter (see template below).

  • Photo ID for you.

  • LPA certificate / registration reference (if already registered).

  • Contact details for GP/social worker.

Step 5 — Contact the local authority / social worker

Action: call the adult social care team for the area where the person lives and tell them you should be the main contact for care planning. Ask who the allocated social worker or care coordinator is and request that your contact details are put on the care plan and that you’re invited to care reviews.

If you’re providing unpaid care, ask for a carer’s assessment — you’re entitled to one and it can unlock support for you. nhs.uk

Step 6 — Register with community services (district nurses, care agency)

Action: contact the district nursing team and any care agency providing home care and ask to be recorded as the primary contact and to be given the care coordinator’s name and phone/email. Ask for a copy of the current care plan and to be involved in reviews/handovers.

Tip: name the evenings / times you prefer to be contacted and whether phone/text/email is OK.

Step 7 — Put legal safeguards in place (strongly recommended)

  • Make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Health & Welfare (and for Property & Affairs if you will manage finances). The donor signs, it must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) to be usable. Registering takes time and a fee. GOV.UK

  • If there’s already no LPA and the person lacks capacity, you may need to apply to the Court of Protection to become a deputy (this is slower and more complex). If possible, set up LPAs while the person still has capacity. GOV.UK

Step 8 — If things go wrong: advocacy & complaints

If a service refuses to involve you despite the patient’s consent, ask to speak to the ward manager / practice manager / care coordinator. If unresolved, contact PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) in the NHS trust, or your local authority’s complaints team. If the person lacks capacity and there’s disagreement about best interests, request an independent advocate. nhs.uk