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What is ‘next of kin’ (NOK)?

Your next of kin (NOK) is the person you choose to be your main family, personal or emergency contact.

Being your next of kin does not automatically give that person the legal authority to make decisions for you or access your medical information.

Someone may have legal authority to make certain decisions on your behalf if, for example, they have an appropriate Lasting Power of Attorney or have been appointed by the Court of Protection.

Note: Different legal arrangements apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

Who can I choose?

You can choose anyone to be your next of kin. They do not have to be a blood relative.

Please make sure we have their current contact details and let us know if anything changes. You can also update your next of kin information using the MyFrimleyHealth App.

Do I need to have a NOK recorded in my medical record?

No. It is not essential to have a next of kin recorded.
However, it can be helpful to have someone listed as your next of kin in case of an emergency.

What can my next of kin do?

Being recorded as your next of kin does not automatically allow them to:

  • See or request copies of your medical records
  • Make decisions about your treatment
  • Consent or refused treatment on your behalf
  • Take our personal possessions 

When might we contact your next of kin?

We may contact your next of kin if you are admitted to hospital or are unable to communicate with us. We may ask them whether you have previously told them about your wishes.

Sharing your information

If you would like to discuss your treatment, medical conditions or appointments with a family member or another person, please tell us. 

Where written permission is required, you can send a signed letter to the Information Governance team by email: fhft.information.governance@nhs.net 

You can upload documents directly through the MyFrimleyHealth App. You can also tell us if you do not want information shared with your next of kin, relatives, or another person. 

If you are staying in hospital

Where possible, please nominate one person to contact the ward for updates. They can then share appropriate information with other family members or friends. 

Family and friends can also contact you directly by mobile phone where this is appropriate. If someone contacts us for information about you, staff will need to check their identity before any information can be shared. 

Next of kin for children

For a child, the person recorded as next of kin will usually be someone who has parental responsibility. 

Parental Responsibility means the legal rights, duties, powers and responsibilities a person has in relation to a child. 

Who has parental responsibility depends on individual circumstances. If you are unsure who has parental responsibility for a child, please tell a member of staff. 

Keeping your child’s details up to date

Please tell us if your child’s details change, including their:

  • Address
  • GP
  • Contact details
  • Next of kin details

If your family’s circumstances change, for example following a house move or parental separation, please make sure the details are updated for each child in your household, even if they are not currently receiving treatment.

About this information

Reference:
DD/025

Approval date:
27 October 2026

Review date:
1 October 2029

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Important note 

This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.