Sharing care records ‘could be life-saver’
A new system for sharing medical records will mean better and safer health care, service providers say.
An initiative announced by the clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will see patient data shared between all branches of the NHS – from GPs to hospitals to carers.
Currently, information on a patient’s care history and medical needs are recorded separately by each NHS organisation, with important details having to be shared over the phone, by email or in writing.
The changes will see all of the patient’s data become accessible to anyone involved in their care via a secure online system – the Shared Care Record.
The Shared Care Record will not store any of the data itself, but will allow different systems to communicate with each other to access the information.
The CCGs, the organisations responsible for providing NHS services in their local area, have said having all the information available at the touch of a button could save lives.
They said: “A doctor in a hospital, or a paramedic who attends a 999 call, will be able to access the same crucial information as a GP, such as details of allergies and current medications, bringing potentially lifesaving benefits.”
It will reduce delays in treatment as records, including any care needs, will be instantly available.
Care will be safer as all the information about medications, allergies and medical history will be accessible.
It will prevent patients repeating themselves or having to do the same test more than once as conversations and past results will be accessible, leading to more joined up care
More time can be spent on patient care as there will be less paperwork and less repetition and the most up-to-date information about your care will be available 24/7.
It will make transitions between services, for example between hospitals and care homes, more seamless and ensure the right care packages are in place following discharge while information can be shared by mental health services to ensure the best support for someone in crisis
Clinical and care staff across the city and two counties, including doctors, nurses, surgeons and care home workers, will have access to your information.
It will still be treated as strictly confidential and can only be accessed by someone directly involved in your care.
However, anonymised data might be used. It could be used to inform improvements to services and ensure the needs of the local population are met.
The system is set to roll-out this summer. Pilot sites are currently being established and the programme team is carrying out community engagement to gather feedback on the plans.
More information can be found on the Leicester City CCG website.