NHS Care Records Service

What is it?

A Nationwide record storing an individuals essential personal details- address date of birth and NHS. Eventually it will include health and care history. All people are automatically included in this database from birth - it is an 'opt out service' not an 'opt in service'. There is also already a local Hampshire Electronic record - click here for more details.

Why?

• There is a growing need for healthcare and it is now more complex to organise and provide it
• The diagnosis and treatment of conditions is increasingly specialised and can involve groups of organisations and personnel working in co-operation
• Paper-based records cannot support the increasing demand for care and its more complex administration

Most NHS locations hold electronic patient records that are accessible locally but the information cannot be transferred across the system.

How Do I Opt in?

You are automatically included in this unless you specifically opt out of either the National scheme (click here for information on how to) and/ or opt out of the local record ( click here to opt out of the local service)

Benefits?

For patients:

• Improved quality and convenience of care
• Assurance that the right information about diagnosis and treatment is available when and where it is needed
• Improved communications with health and care professionals
• Immediate treatment can be given in an emergency as the patient's medical record is known
• Confidence in the accuracy and appropriateness of information in the patient's record
• Absolute confidentiality of care records through the unique NHS number, password protection, and a trail of any access (i.e. by whom, when and where) attached to a record
• Patients have access to their own record and the opportunity to become more involved in their own care
• Patients have opportunities to confirm details of their appointments and prescriptions

Risks?

This is a web based database of personal information. As can be seen above the NHS state:

• Absolute confidentiality of care records through the unique NHS number, password protection, and a trail of any access (i.e. by whom, when and where) attached to a record

As with all web based service some people have voiced concerns about security, and the amount of personal information that will be available to all clinicians treating you. If you are concerned as regards this aspect it is possible to opt out of being on this database. Please note though if/ when you change GP even if you previously opted out you will be included again unless you opt out again. For more information about the risks/ concerns click here

How will it work?

Each NHS Care Record will be formed from information held in a number of places, which is automatically brought together when it is needed.

More in-depth details will be held locally where most care is delivered. This will include detailed personal health information such as records of conditions, medication, operations, tests, X-rays, scans and other results. Links to local information will be available from the summary record.

This is an illustration of how data would be held.
Click this image for an enlarged version.