NHS Emergency Care Summary

tillytop

I have been sent a letter by the NHS explaining that they are introducing a computerised "Summary Care Record" which will be accessible to health professionals who might need to treat someone in an emergency. As far as I understand it, the idea is that the record will contain information about meds, allergies and past med reactions.

I think this is a really good idea but just wanted to flag up something which has occurred to me and which will probably affect a number of other forum users. As far as I understand it, the information for this new care record comes from the GP so any drugs NOT prescribed by the GP will not show up. So for example in my case, I am on Rituximab, prescribed and administered by the rheumatology dept at the hospital, and my GP surgery have told me in the past that, because they do not prescribe it, there is no way to record it on their system. So although it is the med any emergency carers would need to know about most, it will not appear in my summary care record. I guess the same will apply to anyone on the other biologics who have their meds delivered by Healthcare at Home and I know some people have meth prescribed by the hospital, rather than the GP.

I have just spoken to the NHS "Summary Care Record" information line and they tell me the records are created and owned by the GPs so I need to speak to the GP about the issue.

I am going to write to the GP to flag this up, but just thought it might be worth raising it here because I worry that, if the hospitals start relying on this new care record, when in fact it is incomplete it could have serious consquences.

Tillyxxx

dreamdaisy

I reckon the owl who flits between you and Skezier is actually you. What a wise old bird you are - and that is typed with affection! I have experienced a lack of communication between the rheumatology bods and my GP with my not being 'lined up' for a 'flu jab last autumn and thank you for pointing out this risk. I haven't heard anything from my health authority yet but (if and when I do) I shall bear this in mind. Thank you, tillytop. (()) DD

valval

thanks tilly not heard of this and think most of my meds covered so far well done for spotting it i would have missed it val

frogmorton

Well spotted Tilly!

I think we had a letter to say 'something' like this is being initiated here too.

Agreed DD we know where the Owl is today

I hope your determination can acheive a sensible and 'safer' outcome.

Love

Toni xxx

Wonkylegs

We had our letter a few months ago, and both my hubby and I decided it was a jolly good idea.

My GP is very good and has it clearly noted on my computerised notes that I am on both Methotrexate injections (which the surgery do for me - I know that's something quite unusual around here ) and Infliximab infusions - both prescribed by the rheumatology dept.

I'm stunned to read that other Gps say they are unable to keep records of medications prescribed by others :shock: since almost every speciality must have some meds that are only prescribed by hospital-based doctors!

I'd definitely take this up with your surgery if you're worried about meds being missed.

WOnky

freesia

Not sure where you are in the country...?
I am in the South West...

This Summary Care Record system, was bought down here & trialed over a year or so ago...
You can "OPT out" if you so wish (there is an OPT OUT LETTER)....
I understood that it was "NOT" going ahead nationally (from my GP) as it was deemed too expensive... and has been scrapped... so surprised you've received letters...

I agree it could be a good idea, but as you say only medical professionals can gain access to your records, in the case of emergency, say you were admitted to hospital... BUT - they need to have your actual CONSENT - so if you were admitted in an emergency situation (FINGERS CROSSED none of us are) you can verbally give your consent & in my eyes verbally tell them your conditions / medications ect..
If you were NOT able to give consent - it would not be able for them to access your notes... So that's a flaw in the system..

I'll question it again, when I see my GP next week.. As they are really involved in the set up of this system..

Hugs
freesia x

tillytop

Thanks for your replies.

I was interested to read how things seem to be different in different areas of the country. Freesia, I am in Oxfordshire.

I have written to the practice manager at my surgery, asking her to confirm that my records are fully up to date with the Rituximab and that it will therefore be included on the Care Summary they create for me. Will be interested to hear what she says.

Tillyxxx

mig

I had the summary care info thru the post which i discused with my gp when i saw her ,all the meds i have whether from her or the hospital have been noted on my records as have my history of the problems i have had with codeine which WE decided was the right way to go,all in all i think it is a good idea.Mig