There is a central NHS computer system called the Summary Care Record (SCR). It is an electronic record which contains information about the medicines you take, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had.
Why do I need a Summary Care Record?
Storing information in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed.
This information could make a difference to how a doctor decides to care for you, for example which medicines they choose to prescribe for you.
Who can see it?
Only healthcare staff involved in your care can see your Summary Care Record.
How do I know if I have one?
Over half of the population of England now have a Summary Care Record. You can find out whether Summary Care Records have come to your area by asking your GP.
Do I have to have one?
No, it is not compulsory. If you choose to opt out of the scheme, then you will need to complete a form and bring it along to the surgery. You can use the form at the foot of this page.
More information
For further information visit the HSCIC Website
Confidentiality
Your patient record will be held securely and confidentially on our electronic system.
If you require treatment in another NHS healthcare setting such as an Emergency Department or Minor Injury Unit, those treating you would be better able to give you appropriate care if some of the information from the GP practice were available to them. This information can now be shared electronically (with your permission) via:-
- SCR – NHS Summary Care Record (used nationally across England)
- Gloucestershire Shared Health And Social Care Information (Joining up your information – JUYI) Used locally across Gloucestershire.
- Enhanced Data Sharing Model in SystmOne (EDSM) (Used nationally across all healthcare providers using SystmOne.
In all cases, the information will be used only by authorised healthcare professionals directly involved in your care. Your permission will be asked before the information is accessed, unless the clinician is unable to ask you and there is a clinical reason for access.
Please note that these records are not connected with the Health and Social Care Information Centre care.data project and will be used only for the purpose of enabling informed care to be supplied directly to you as an individual.
Parents, guardians or someone with power of attorney can ask for people in their care to be opted out, but ultimately it is the GP’s decision whether to share information, or not, because of their duty of care.
If you are caring for someone and feel that they are able to understand, then you should make the information about the different methods of sharing available to them.
Please ask a member of the GP practice staff for details of where to find more information about each of the sharing methods.