NHS single patient record to be debated for first time

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. NHS single patient record to be debated for first time13 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleHugh PymHealth editorMike Kemp/Getty ImagesPlans for a single patient record for the NHS in England will be debated for the first time by MPs on Monday. The aim is to combine GP, hospital and social care data so patients don't have to keep repeating their medical history unnecessarily at appointments. A&E clinicians, who often cannot access GP patient records, will be able to quickly check patients' complete histories, medication and allergies if they arrive needing urgent care.

The Department of Health and Social Care has published projections suggesting that 20,000 fewer patients a year will have to go to A&E thanks to the single patient record and other reforms to NHS treatment. This is because it is assumed there will be fewer patients wrongly diagnosed because of lack of access to records and more of the frail elderly will be treated in their communities. Paramedics will be able to see full information on a patient they are blue-lighting to hospital.

The Details

The single patient record will be made available on the NHS App and the new system would be rolled out from 2027. In some parts of England, there is already limited shared data access but the new plan is designed to ensure consistency across the whole system. One surgeon revealed recently that he had to cancel a kidney transplant because he could not check the patient's history quickly enough.

He said there were symptoms which had to be analysed in more detail but there was no access to GP records over a weekend. Pregnant women have to go through their entire medical history from memory at their first midwife appointment, because midwives don't have access to official records. Carers, according to officials, will benefit from the planned new system because they will be able to find out up-to-date information on a patient's treatment and medication.

Officials say GPs will save time because they will be able to find information about their patients more quickly. The Health and Social Care Secretary James Murray, who replaced Wes Streeting in May, said he had been diagnosed with a rare neurological condition in his 20s, but was now symptom free. He said: "I get fantastic support from the NHS.

What Experts Say

But I know how much effort it can be to keep different parts of the health service joined up and how distressing it is for some patients to repeat their medical history over and over. "Dr Deb Gompertz of the British Geriatric Society said: "Older people are among the highest users of NHS services, often receiving care from multiple teams across hospitals, community services and primary care. Better sharing of information has the potential to improve continuity of care.

"But concerns have been raised by the British Medical Association (BMA) about the security of pooled data.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.