Patient medical data is increasingly shared between healthcare providers, such as GP surgeries and district nursing teams, to ensure clinicians have the most up-to-date information when treating patients.

Our systems require that any sharing of medical information is done with the patient’s consent. Patients must approve the sharing of their data between healthcare providers and specify which providers can access it.

For example, if it’s necessary to share information from your GP records with district nurses, but not with the local podiatry department, you can choose to allow the surgery to share your data with the district nurses, while denying access to the podiatry team. This ensures that access to your data is controlled by you and is shared on a ‘need-to-know’ basis.

The Summary Care Record (SCR) is a new central NHS system designed to help emergency doctors and nurses provide quicker care when you contact them outside of surgery hours. Initially, your SCR will include your medications and allergies.

As the system develops, additional information such as details from hospitals, out-of-hours services, and specialist letters may also be included. Your data will be extracted from practices like ours and stored on central NHS databases.

There are both benefits and considerations to using the SCR. In emergency situations, it may help doctors avoid mistakes by giving them quick access to your medical history. You will always be asked for your consent before NHS staff can access your record, unless you are medically unable to give consent.

If you have concerns about sharing your information, you can choose to keep it within the practice. Connecting for Health (CfH), the agency responsible for the SCR, has agreed that new patients can decide whether or not their information is uploaded to the central NHS system.

For existing patients, it is assumed that your information will be uploaded to the SCR unless you actively choose to opt out.

The NHS is working to give patients better ways to access their personal health information online. We know many of you want to see your health records, as it can help you view test results faster and review appointment notes at your convenience.

We are now allowing you to view all information within your health record. If you're over 14 and have an online account, such as through the NHS App, NHS website, or other GP online services, you’ll automatically be able to see all future information entered into your medical record. If you already have access to this feature, nothing will change for you.

This includes records from your appointments, test results, and any letters your doctor (GP) receives from hospitals or specialists. Please note, this does not include records from hospitals or specialists themselves, only the information shared with your GP. You’ll be able to see information starting from 31st October 2023. For most patients, access will be automatic, and no further action is required.

Your GP may discuss test results with you before they appear on your online record. They may also have a conversation with you to ensure that full access to your records is beneficial for you. If you're concerned about having access to your records, or if you feel it's not right for you, please talk to your GP.

These changes only apply to those with online accounts. If you prefer not to have an online account, you can still access your health record by requesting it via reception or emailing warrenlane.medicalcentre@nhs.net. If you're a carer and would like access to someone else’s information, please speak to reception staff.

The NHS App, website, and other online services are all secure. Be sure to protect your login details and never share your password, as it gives others access to your personal information.

If you don’t want to access your health record or need more information about these changes, please speak to your GP or reception staff. You can also read more at www.nhs.uk/gp-record.