from 30th October 2014
What is a Summary Care Record?
A Summary Care Record is an electronic record available to NHS staff nationally which contains information about the medicines you take, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had.
Who will have a Summary Care Record?
Every patient registered with the New Surgery will have a Summary Care Record created automatically from 30th October 2014 unless they opt out.
What is the Summary Care Record for?
Summary Care Records are especially useful if you need to visit a different doctor or hospital in the evening or at the weekend, or when you are away from your local area. In an emergency, an up-to-date Summary Care Record will tell healthcare staff important information about you and your different medications, which might save your life.
Who can see my Summary Care Record?
Only healthcare staff involved in your care can see your Summary Care Record. They will only see the information they need to do their job, and they will ask your permission every time they need to look at your Summary Care Record.
If they can’t ask you, for example if you are unconscious, they may look at your Summary Care Record without your permission. If they do this, they will make a note on your record to say why they have done this and your GP will be informed.
Can I opt out of the Summary Care Record?
Two thirds of the population of England now have a Summary Care Record. You can change your mind at any time about whether or not you have a Summary Care Record, but you will need to tell us. To opt out, please complete the opt-out form available in reception or at the bottom of this page. Your GP will be happy to discuss your decision with you. If you change your mind later, we can still make one for you. You just need to let us know. If you choose to opt out of having a Summary Care Record after it has been made, we will hide your record so that it can no longer be viewed by NHS healthcare staff. Whatever you decide, the NHS will always give you the best possible care.
Will my Summary Care Record include my medical conditions and history?
No. This first stage of the project includes only current medication, allergies and adverse reactions, and will be created automatically unless you decide to opt out. You can also decide whether all or part of your medical history should be included in the Summary Care Record but this can only be done with your express permission.
Summary Care Record Opt-Out Form