The NHS is proposing to create a Summary Care Record for you, which can be used by NHS clinicians treating you, in emergency and in out-of-hours care situations. The Summary Care Record will hold basic health information about you and only staff involved in your care will be permitted to access that information, controlled by strict security measures. You will also be able to access your Summary Care Record via registration with a secure website called Healthspace.
In practice this means that, for example, if you are away from home in England and need medical attention, or you are taken to the Emergency Department of your local hospital, a healthcare professional will be able to view your Summary Care Record, subject to your permission at the point of care, unless you are unable to communicate your wishes at the point of care.
The type of information that could be included in your Summary Care Record
Details of allergies, recent prescriptions and previous bad reactions to medicines will be in your Summary Care Record, along with important information on any problems or long-term conditions you may have, including:
- significant illnesses and health problems from the past, such as a heart attack;
- illnesses that you take regular medication for, such as asthma or diabetes.
Further types of information that may be added in the future are:
- important test results and immunisations;
- information you might have given your GP about how you want to be treated in an emergency, such as not wanting a blood transfusion.
More details about the Summary Care Record can also be found by visiting http://www.nhscarerecords.nhs.uk/.
Next Steps
All patients registered with the Practice will be sent letters early in 2010 explaining the process for patients details to be uploaded on to the NCRS. Should you choose not to have a Summary Care Record created, you must complete and return a request form to the practice. If you have already opted out at the practice you need take no action. The form is available from your practice, at the Public Information Sessions and on our website at:
www.bournemouthandpoole.nhs.uk/local-health-services/documents/OptOutFormSCR_2009.pdf
Summary Care Records are intended to be created for all patients, but this letter is only being sent to patients aged 16 and over. If you are the parent or guardian of a child who is registered at the practice then you should make this information available to them if you feel they are old enough to understand the issues.
You will also be able to access your Summary Care Record via registration with a secure website called Healthspace. If you wish to take advantage of this please follow the procedure on our website at:
www.bournemouthandpoole.nhs.uk/local-health-services/summary-care-record.asp.
If you have any questions, or if you wish to discuss your options or concerns, please telephone the dedicated NHS Care Records Service Information Line on 0845 603 8510.
Face to Face information and advice
A number of opportunities for patients to talk face-to-face with NHS Advisers about the creation of Summary Care Records will be held at a number of local locations and details will be sent with the letter.