City health care first to join computer records project
Health and social care services in Sunderland have become the first in the North East to share people’s vital medical information.
The Great North Care Record project brings together people’shospital,GP,community services and adult social care electronic records about patients.
Since its launch last year, the Great North Care Record has enabled over 400 GPs, fiveNHSTrustsandtheNorth East Ambulance Service to securely share records with frontline staff and Sunderland City Council is the first local authority in the region to implement the system.
Emma Anderson, head of therapies at Sunderland City Council, said: “We are delighted to not only be able to access information about the peoplewecarefor,butalsobeginsharingmoreinformation with our health colleagues.
"It has been challenging trying to find out information about our clients. For instance, we wouldn’t always know if a client has been admitted to hospital without having to making lots of telephone calls.
"Having access to this information, with the patient’s permission, means we can be sure we are offering them the most appropriate care.”
Dr Kevin Joisce, consultant in emergency medicine and chief clinical information officer at South Tyneside and
Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust said:
“Our patients are often admitted to Gateshead or Newcastlehospitals.Nowthestaff caring for them will know about their past medical history from Sunderland.
“The Great North Care Record has proved invaluable in emergency care because we can quickly find out about theirpastmedication,investigations and treatment plans.”
Itishopedpatientinformation will eventually be available from all primary care practices, NHS Trusts and local authorities across the North East – giving frontline staff a complete picture about their patients.
Dr Raj Bethapudi, GP partner and chief clinical information officer at Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group,said:“'GPrecordstypically hold the most information about patients.
"Sharing a summary of records with other health and social care colleagues will help to provide more joinedup care."