E-Record Roll Out Begins

November 16th 2009

Single electronic patient records are to be introduced in London from this week, it was announced today.

The long delayed project is a key part of the NHS computerisation plan.

The "summary care records" will give doctors and health care professionals in all settings access to a patient's medical history and treatment.

According to the department of health, trials of the new system shows it works particularly well in improving out-of-hours care.

Residents of London are to receive letters giving them a chance to opt out of the new system. More than 700,000 records will be loaded on to the system later this week.

The government said the scheme would "take off" across England in the coming year.

Ruth Carnall, Chief Executive of NHS London, said: "Getting hold of health records for London's highly mobile population often presents real challenges to doctors and nurses when patients need out-of-hours and emergency care. The Summary Care Record has demonstrated clear benefits elsewhere in the country and NHS London is keen to bring
these to the capital."

Dr Phil Koczan, a GP in Chingford, clinical lead for the London IT programme, said: "As a London GP, I see many people on a lot of different medication and with long-term, complex conditions. Summary Care Records will give myself and my patients real peace of mind knowing that important information is accessible when it's needed."

The BMA said it was important patients felt they had a chance to agree to take part in the programme.

Dr Grant Ingrams, chair of the BMA GP IT committee, said: "Evidence from the early adopters suggests that the information campaigns to inform patients about the Summary Care Record had been ineffectual. We must learn from this experience and ensure that PCTs in London provide appropriate readily accessible information to all patients so they can make an informed choice."

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