Step 1 — Get the person’s clear consent

• Ask the person to say (and ideally sign) that they want you to be their main contact and what information you can be told.

• Write a short signed note or letter, dated and signed by them.

• Health services usually rely on the patient’s own instruction to share information.

• Include in the note:

  • Patient’s full name

  • NHS number (if known)

  • Statement: “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

(Source: Patients Association)

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Step 2 — Prepare the information & documents

Have a “Main Contact Pack” (printed and digital) ready:

• Patient’s details (full name, DOB, NHS number, address)

• Your details (name, relationship, phone, email)

• Signed consent note (from Step 1)

• Your photo ID (some trusts will ask)

• Copy of any registered Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) (Health & Welfare or Property & Affairs)

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Step 3 — Update the GP record

• Contact the GP practice (phone, email, or NHS App if available).

• Ask them to record you as the main contact/next of kin and note that the patient has given consent.

• Hospitals often check GP records for contact details.

Sample message to GP:

Subject: Please add [Your name] as main contact for [Patient name, DOB/NHS no]
Please record [Your name] — Relationship: [ ], Mobile: [ ], Email: [ ] — as the main contact for [patient name].
The patient has signed a consent note authorising information sharing.
Thank you, [Your name]

(Source: NHS England Digital)

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Step 4 — Tell the hospital (admission / outpatient)

• On admission, or before an appointment, give your details and the signed consent to admissions or ward staff.

• Bring photo ID and LPA paperwork if you have it.

What to bring:

• Signed consent note

• Photo ID

• LPA certificate (if registered)

• GP and social worker details