SUMMARY CARE RECORD (SCR)

SUMMARY CARE RECORD (SCR)

The NHS across London are currently writing to patients informing them of the rollout of the Summary Care Record (SCR). Their letter includes an information leaflet and a form for ‘opting out’. The letter from Barnet health authority has just been sent to all Barnet registered patients, hence the enquiries.

For existing patients the default position is that records are uploaded to the NHS's computer database (known as the 'Spine') unless they choose to opt out. The doctors previously proposed to upload only for patients to opt in was rejected by Government. So, although patients can change their minds at any time, and although once uploaded a patient has to be consented again by the clinician seeking access, say at A&E or by Out of hours OOH services, concerns have been expressed. Many patients will have worries which they will wish to have addressed, and many may not bother or may ignore the letters and miss their chance to opt out from the start.

The rollout is taking place at different times across the country, but we in London are in the first batch.

This rollout expects patients to respond within 12 weeks if they wish to opt out of their information being uploaded to the central spine.

Whatever doctors feel (whether supporters or concerned) about the way this has been implemented by the government, and whatever doctors may feel about its value to patient care, it is our duty as doctors to ensure that our patients are adequately informed about the handling of information we record on their behalf, so that they can make an informed choice.

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Written by Dr Martin Harris, Doctor and Mohel for Jewish Circumcision Clinic in London Bris Mila Brit Milah.
www.circumcisionlondon.co.uk

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Contact Dr Martin Harris