There is a new Central NHS Computer System called the Summary Care Record (SCR). The Summary Care Record is meant to help emergency doctors and nurses help you when you contact them when the surgery is closed. Initially, it will contain just your medications and allergies.
Later on, as the central NHS computer system develops, (known as the ‘Summary Care Record’ – SCR), other staff who work in the NHS will be able to access it along with information from hospitals, out of hours services, and specialises letters that may be added as well.
Your information will be extracted from practices such as ours and held on central NHS databases.
As with all new systems, there are pros and cons to think about. When you speak to an emergency doctor you might overlook something that is important and if they have access to your medical record it might avoid mistakes or problems, although even then, you should be asked to give your consent each time a member of NHS Staff wishes to access your record, unless you are medically unable to do so.
On the other hand, you may have strong views about sharing your personal information and wish to keep your information at the level of this practice. Connecting for Health (CfH), the government agency responsible for the Summary Care Record have agreed with doctors’ leaders that new patients registering with this practice should be able to decide whether or not their information is uploaded to the Central NHS Computer System.
For existing patients, it is different in that it is assumed that you want your record uploaded to the Central NHS Computer System unless you actively opt out.
For further information visit the HSCIC Website.
If you choose to opt out of the scheme, then you will need to complete a form and bring it along to the surgery.
Note to patients from the practice
Do I have a choice?
Yes. You have the right to prevent confidential information about you from being shared or used for any purpose other than providing your care, except in special circumstances. If you do not want information that identifies you to be shared outside your GP practice, ask your practice to make a note of this in your medical record. This will prevent your confidential information being used other than where necessary by law, (for example, if there is a public health emergency).
You will also be able to restrict the use of information held by other places you receive care, such as hospitals and community services. You should let your GP know if you want to restrict the use of this information.
Your choice will not affect the care you receive.
Do I need to do anything?
If you are happy for your information to be shared you do not need to do anything. There is no form to fill in and nothing to sign and you can change your mind at any time.
If you have concerns or are not happy for your information to be shared, speak to your GP practice.
Where can I get more information?
Leaflets in other languages and formats are available from our website.
For more information, including a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs), please go to the website at www.nhs.uk/caredata.
You can also get further information from the website at www.hscic.gov.uk.
Or you can speak to staff at your GP practice.
If you require further copies of this title visit www.orderline.dh.gov.uk and quote: 2901215 / How information about you helps us to provide better care
Produced by Williams Lea for NHS England and HSCIC.
