Everyone registered with a GP in England has a Summary Care Record – an electronic record uploaded to the secure National Data Spine which contains information about the medicines you take, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had as well as your name, address, DoB and NHS Number. Having this information stored in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed. Only those with the required security level can access your record and even then, only when it is absolutely necessary. Security and confidentiality is treated very seriously.
There is also the ability, with your expressed consent, to ‘enrich’ the Summary Care Record with additional information to contain significant medical history (past and present), reason for medication, anticipatory care information (such as information about the management of long term conditions) , end of life care information (from the SCCI1580 national dataset) and immunisations. This might be especially useful for frail people who may need special care from many people, end of life care, patients with long term conditions, those with special needs, people with dementia and so on.
Under NHS protocols, you have consented to upload your basic Summary Care Record but you can withdraw your consent at any time by letting us know in person, by completing this form or at registration when we ask all new patients.
NHS Data Opt-Out
The NHS Opt-out programme explains that unless you have chosen to opt out, your confidential patient information can be used for research and planning.
This online service allows you to make or change your decision at any time. You can also download a form to manage a choice on behalf of another individual by proxy. For example, if you are a parent or guardian of a child under the age of 13.
If you choose to opt out, your data may still be used during some specific situations, for example, during an epidemic where there might be a risk to other people’s health.