The NHS in England is introducing the Summary Care Record (SCR), which will be used in emergency care. This electronic record will give healthcare staff faster, easier access to essential information about you, to help provide you with safe treatment when you need care in an emergency or when your GP practice is closed.
Since launching in 2008, as a one of the first pilot areas for NHS Care Records Service (NHS CRS), we have supported GP practices across the district to implement the new record. Over 400,000 people living in Bradford and Airedale will have a summary care record by April 2012.
What information will the SCR include?
The record will include information about any medicines you are taking, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had, to ensure those caring for you have enough information to treat you safely.
Will the NHS ask my permission to create my Summary Care Record?
Everyone will have received an information pack to explain the changes that are taking place and the choices they have.*
Do I have a choice?
Yes you can choose whether or not to have an SCR. If you would like an SCR, you do not need to do anything and a record will be created for you.
If you choose not to have an SCR, you must complete an opt out form. A copy of this can be picked up from your GP practice or requested from the dedicated NHS Summary Care Record Information Line on 0300 123 3020.
If I choose not to have a Summary Care Record, what will this mean?
NHS healthcare staff caring for you may not be aware of your current medications, any allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had, in order to treat you safely in an emergency.
If you CHOOSE not to have a SCR, your health records will stay as they are now, with information shared by letter, email, fax or phone.
If you have any questions, or if you want to discuss your choices, please:
Will I be asked for my permission before my record is viewed?
Healthcare staff will ask your permission before they look at your record, except in certain circumstances for example if you are unconscious.
Will others be able to access my records?
People outside of the NHS will not be able to access your record without your permission other than in circumstances where it is allowed by law.
Where can I get more information?
You can telephone the dedicated NHS summary care record information line on 0300 123 3020 or visit the website at www.nhscarerecords.nhs.uk where you will find information in other formats and languages.
Can I add information to my NHS care record?
Not at the moment but in the future you will be able to add information such as your treatment preferences.
Can I see my medical records?
Yes, you can already ask to see your records where you are treated, at your GP, hospital or clinic. You will need to follow the procedures laid out by the Data Protection Act, that is, make an application in writing or, if that’s not possible, by some alternative method. You may have to pay a small charge.
How do you protect my privacy and keep my information confidential?
As a patient, you have a right to expect that information about you will be held in confidence. Confidentiality and your privacy is central to trust between care professionals and our patients or service users. Find out more.
HealthSpace
When your Summary Care Record is created you will be able to see it if you register for an advanced HealthSpace account.
www.healthspace.nhs.uk is a free, secure online personal health organiser. It can help you to manage your health and store health information, for example: blood pressure or cholesterol levels or find out about NHS services near you.
How do I use HealthSpace?
If you have not used HealthSpace before, you will need to register for a new account
There are two types of account:
Basic account – this allows you to take advantage of all the HealthSpace features except for viewing your Summary Care Record and using HealthSpace Communicator.
Advanced account – this includes all the features of a Basic Account and access to your Summary Care Record and HealthSpace Communicator
Can I register for a HealthSpace account?
Yes, anyone living in England, aged 16 or over, with a valid email address can register.
How can I register for an advanced account?
You will need to register for a basic account before you can register for an ‘advanced account’. To create an advanced account, you will have to visit one of the GP practices (shown below) with three forms of identity. It is important that your identity is confirmed face-to-face as it prevents other people from opening a HealthSpace account in your name. This will make sure your summary care record is secure and only accessed by you.
Currently, we have three practices across the district offering registration including:
What forms do I need to provide?
To prove your identity, you need to provide documents that show your name (who you are) and proof of your address (where you live).
Why do I need to provide forms of ID?
HealthSpace takes the security and confidentiality of your health information very seriously. The identity check is an essential part of the application for an advanced account. This step has been put in place to protect the confidentiality of your health information.
* The following practices are taking part: Ling House Medical Centre, Farfield Group Practice, Holycroft Surgery, The Ridge, The Willows Medical Centre, Picton Medical Centre, Frizinghall Medical Centre, Sunnybank, Little Horton Lane Medical Centre, The Bradford Moor Practice (Daffodil Building), Oakworth Health Centre, Phoenix Practice, Bilton Medical Centre, Horton Bank Practice, Idle Medical Centre, Grange Park Surgery, Cowgill Surgery, Grange Medical Centre, Ashwell Medical Centre, Westcliffe Medical Centre, Bradford Student Health Service, Windhill Green Medical Centre, Highfield Health Centre, Haigh Hall Medical Centre, Primrose Surgery, Bowling Hall Medical Practice, Dr Hamdani, Avicenna Medical Centre, Rockwell & Wrose Practice, Dr Longfield, Mayfield Medical Centre, Ashcroft Surgery, Kilmeny Surgery, Bingley Medical Practice, Newton Way Surgery, Moorside Surgery, Dr Suleman, Shipley Medical Practice, Kensington Health Centre, Rooley Lane Medical Centre.
