The NHS handles name changes carefully, because your records are held across multiple systems — GP practices, hospitals, clinics, and national databases.

Here’s what to expect.

Where Your Name Must Be Updated

1. Your GP (General Practitioner)

This is the main place where the NHS updates your name.

Your GP surgery will update:

• NHS patient record
  
• Summary Care Record
  
• Electronic Prescription Service
  
• Hospital referrals
  

They will then send the update to:

2. The National Spine (NHS Digital)

This synchronises:

• Hospital records
  
• Pharmacy records
  
• Vaccination records
  
• NHS App
  
• Digital health history
  
• Blood test/scan results
  

What Proof the NHS Requires

Your GP will accept:

• Your deed poll
  
• Updated passport (optional)
  

They do not require certified copies, just a clear view of the document.

How Long It Takes

Old-name letters may still arrive for a short time during syncing — this is normal.

Will the NHS Keep Your Old Name?

Yes, for medical history accuracy.

Your previous name remains in the record as:

• “Previous known name”
  
• “Alias (historic)”
  

Doctors will not call or address you by your old name.

What Changes Automatically

• NHS App
  
• GP systems
  
• Hospital records
  
• Referral letters
  
• Electronic prescriptions
  

What does not change automatically:

• Old letters already printed
  
• Private healthcare records
  
• Dentistry systems (separate databases)
  

Summary

Once you give your GP a deed poll, the NHS updates your entire medical history across national systems. The update happens in stages but requires very little from you.