Disability Information UKPlain-language information, rights and support

Managing appointments, prescriptions and hospital passports

Practical ways to manage NHS appointments and prescriptions, and how a hospital passport can help staff understand your needs quickly, especially in an emergency.

Sample content. This prototype article summarises official UK sources listed at the end of the page. It is information, not legal or medical advice, and what you are entitled to depends on your circumstances.

Jurisdiction
UK-wide
Date last checked
12 January 2026
Date last updated
12 January 2026
Next review due
12 July 2026
Article version
1.0
Review status
Review status: Published and checked

Overview

A hospital passport (sometimes called a 'This is me' document or health passport) is a short, personal document that goes with you to appointments or hospital stays, summarising your health conditions, communication needs, likes, dislikes and what helps in a crisis.

They are widely recommended for people with a learning disability, autistic people, and people with dementia or complex health needs, but anyone can use one.

Repeat prescriptions can usually be ordered online, by app, or through your pharmacy, without needing to see a GP each time, and many areas offer an electronic repeat dispensing service so your pharmacy holds authorisation for several months at a time.

Prescription costs and exemptions differ across the UK: prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, while in England most adults pay a prescription charge unless they qualify for an exemption or hold a valid prescription prepayment certificate (PPC).

Common barriers people describe

  • Hospital passports are not always asked about or read by busy hospital staff, especially during emergency admissions.
  • People do not always know a hospital passport template exists or where to get one.
  • Managing multiple appointments and prescriptions across different specialists can be difficult without a single record of what is going on.
  • Online prescription and appointment systems are not accessible to everyone, particularly some older people, and people with certain sensory, cognitive or literacy needs.

Practical support

  • Ask your GP practice, local learning disability team, or hospital for a hospital passport template, or download one from a charity such as Mencap, the National Autistic Society or your local NHS trust.
  • Keep your hospital passport up to date, take it to appointments and hospital stays, and ask staff to read it and refer to it during your care.
  • Set up online prescription ordering through your GP practice's website, the NHS App, or your local pharmacy to save time and reduce missed repeat orders.
  • If you're in England and take regular medication, ask about a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC), which can save money if you need more than a few prescription items a year.

Your rights

  • You have the right to reasonable adjustments in how you access appointments and prescriptions, such as longer appointments, easy read letters, or a carer being present.
  • In England, certain groups (including people with some long-term conditions, over 60s, under 16s, and people on a low income) are entitled to free prescriptions; check current exemption categories with your GP practice or pharmacy.
  • You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be recorded permanently on your NHS record so you don't need to explain them every time.

Possible benefits and financial support

These are things you may want to check. Nothing here is a decision, and entitlement always depends on your circumstances.

    Workplace adjustments to consider

      Education adjustments to consider

        Getting healthcare that works for you

        • A hospital passport can be especially useful during an emergency admission, when you may not be able to explain your needs yourself; consider giving a copy to a family member or carer to bring with you.
        • The NHS App allows many people in England to view records, order repeat prescriptions and manage appointments in one place; equivalent apps exist in the other UK nations.

        Related rights topics

        Sources

        Every fact on this page comes from the sources below. Follow the links for the full, official version.

        Update history

        • Version 1.0 — 12 January 2026

          First published sample article on hospital passports, appointments and prescriptions.

          Approved by: Editorial reviewer (sample)

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