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What is ‘next of kin’ (NOK)?

NOK is the term generally used to describe your closest living relative, such as a spouse, civil partner, or adult children (over 18).

Being someone’s NOK does not mean they can make decisions for you.

That authority only comes with proper legal documents, such as a Lasting Power of Attorney or a Court of Protection order.

Further information on this subject and more, can be found by accessing the following link: Deputies: make decisions for someone who lacks capacity: Overview - GOV.UK

Who can be a NOK?

You can nominate anyone as your NOK and change them as many times as you want or remove them entirely.

A NOK does not need to be a blood relative; you just need to let the Trust know their details and to keep this information up to date.

You can also update this information yourself via the MyFrimleyHealth App.

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

Whilst it is not essential, it is advisable to have someone listed as a NOK in case of emergencies.

When would a member of staff want to talk to your NOK?

A member of staff will usually contact your NOK to let them know if you have been admitted into hospital; or in the event that you are unable to communicate with staff whilst in hospital, they may be asked whether your wishes are known to them.

Your NOK does not have any legal rights. Therefore, they do not have the right to look at or request copies of your medical records, take your personal possessions or consent to, or refuse treatment on your behalf.

If there is no Lasting Power of Attorney, Court of Protection or Living Will in place, the clinicians will make any clinical decisions.

If you want the Trust to discuss your medical treatment, conditions or appointments with your spouse or family member, please put this in writing, adding your signature.

Then scan/send the letter to the Trust’s Information Governance Department by email to fhft.information.governance@nhs.net  who will arrange for the document to be scanned into your medical record for future reference.

Alternatively, you can upload these documents directly through the MyFrimleyHealth App at a time that is convenient for you.

When you are in hospital, if possible, only your NOK should call the Trust to find out how you are; they can then relay this information to other family members/friends. As mobile phones are permitted in the ward, your family is welcome to contact you personally to find out how you are (rather than ringing the ward).

When your NOK calls the ward/hospital, the member of staff will check that they have been noted as your NOK and take them through ‘security’, which is done by asking three relevant questions about you (for example your date of birth, address, the GP surgery you are registered with).

You can instruct members of staff at the Trust if you do not want your NOK or relatives to receive any of your information, so that the information between yourself and your doctor remains completely confidential.

NOK for children

Usually, the NOK is the person who has Parental Responsibility (PR) for the child. PR in legal terms refers to the rights, duties, and responsibilities a parent has for their child.

This applies to the following people (unless PR has been legally withdrawn, which only a Court can do):

  1. The birth mother automatically has PR.
  2. The biological father if he is named on birth certificate / married or in civil partnership with the birth mother.
  3. Same-sex parents (female); can both be named on birth certificate.
  4. Same-sex parents (male); biological father is named on birth certificate; 2nd parent will require a parental order to be added.
  5. PR is usually transferred to adoptive parents/removed from biological parents; but can vary due to individual circumstances.

There are different rules and regulations applicable to children whose births are registered in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Keeping children’s records up to date

It is essential that the Trust maintains accurate records for your child. Should your family’s circumstances change – for example, a change of address, or if parents separate or divorce, please ensure that the address, GP, contact and/or NOK details are updated for every child living in the household, even if the child is not currently receiving treatment.

About this information

Reference:
DD/025

Approval date:
23 December 2025

Review date:
1 December 2028

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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.