7 Summary Care Record

The NHS is introducing a national database for patient records. This record has only important information that may be helpful in an emergency when the practice may be closed. The record will only be available to doctors and nurses.The information will include:

  • Your name, address, date of birth and your NHS number.
  • Medicines you are taking
  • Allergies you have
  • Any medicines that may make you ill

You have a choice about whether you want your details released to the NHS Summary Care Records. All patients will automatically have a summary care record produced unless they opt out. If you don’t want your records released there are a number of ways you can opt out:

  • Attend the surgery and fill out a form
  • Ask for a form by phoning 0300 123 3020
  • Or download the Summary Care Record Form from the website

More information about Summary Care Records can be found on Health and Social Care Information Centre.

Your Summary Care Record will contain important information about any medicines you are taking, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines that you have had.

Giving healthcare staff access to this information can prevent mistakes being made when caring for you in an emergency or when your GP practice is closed.

Your Summary Care Record will also include your name, address, date of birth and your unique NHS Number to help identify you correctly.

You may want to add other details about your care to your Summary Care Record. This will only happen if you ask for the information to be included. You should discuss your wishes with the healthcare staff treating you.

You can choose not to have a Summary Care Record. You need to let your GP practice know by filling in and returning a Summary Care Opt-out form.