Patients at an Oxford surgery have become the first in the UK to be able to read their medical records from the comfort of their own homes.

It is the first step towards plans for tele-consultations, where patients will be able to book appointments on-line and use the Internet to make repeat prescription requests.

Three people were involved in yesterday's pilot scheme, run by Bury Knowle Health Centre, in Headington, which allowed them to get information about their health by logging on to computers.

Edward East, 73, took part and said the system was very "user friendly".

Former policeman Mr East, of Chestnut Avenue, Headington, said: "I think, as a patient, that it's my body and I should know what's going on. It's very helpful, because if there are any nasties, it's important to know. It helps you understand more about your health. "

"The practical benefit of this system is that if you are ill while you are away, you can get hold of your records which is obviously useful to doctors treating you."

The research is an extension to an £80,000 scheme allowing registered patients to read their medical notes on computers at the London Road surgery.

Around 50 people have taken part in the scheme so far. Notes are kept confidential on the NHS Net website by state-of-the-art technology, which reads individual fingerprints.

Patients use their own passwords, plus their NHS numbers, to make sure their records cannot be accessed by other patients.

Claire Crook, who is leading the project with GPs Dr Celia Pyper and Dr Justin Amery, said: "It's hoped the system will allow patients to form a relationship with their doctor and take a more important role in their own health. We have to research it to see how it develops and to make sure confidential information is kept secure."