Patient Record

We sometimes need to share your medical information with other healthcare services.
This helps the people caring for you have the most up-to-date information.

For example, your GP surgery might share your information with district nurses so they can give you the best care.

Your consent is needed

We will only share your information if you agree.
You can choose:

• Which services can see your information
• Which services cannot see your information

For example:

• You may agree for district nurses to see your records
• You may choose not to let the podiatry (foot care) service see them

This way, your information is only shared with the people who need it to care for you. You stay in control.

The Summary Care Record (SCR) is a central NHS computer record.
It helps doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff care for you, especially in an emergency or when your GP surgery is closed.

What it contains

At first, your SCR will include:

• The medicines you take
• Any allergies you have

In the future, it may also include:

• Information from hospitals
• Letters from specialists
• Notes from out-of-hours services

How it works

Your information is taken from your GP record and stored on a secure NHS computer system.
If you need urgent care, NHS staff can ask to see your SCR to help them treat you safely.
They should ask for your permission before looking at your record — unless you are too unwell to give it.

Your choice

You can choose whether to have an SCR.

• New patients: You can decide if your information is uploaded.
• Current patients: Your SCR will be created unless you opt out.

Things to think about

Benefits:

• Saves time in emergencies
• Helps avoid mistakes with medicines and allergies

Concerns:

• You may not want your information shared outside your GP surgery

If you want to opt out, please tell the GP surgery.