This week 1.5 million Londoners will receive letters about a new electronic patient record and how it will help deliver faster, safer care.

By March 2011, records will be created for all Londoners who wish to have one. The summary care record is a secure electronic record of patients’ vital health information that can be shared between healthcare staff involved in that patient’s care, ensuring vital information is at hand during treatment. The scheme will give doctors and nurses access to information about patients’ allergies, medication and any bad reactions patients may have had to medication in the past. Summary care records greatly increase effective access to patient information and ensure that medical professionals have details of a patients’ essential medical history in the event of an emergency. Dr Phil Koczan, GP, said: “In my experience, unconnected healthcare causes untold and unnecessary angst at often very difficult times for my patients. “The summary care record provides easy access to patient information. It improves patient safety, avoids duplication of tests and improves access to essential patient data during episodes of urgent or unscheduled care. For many patients, making this information available is common sense and they are surprised it doesn’t happen already.” Between now and April, Londoners registered with GP practices aged 16 and over will receive information about how summary care records work. They will also be offered a choice not to have one. A summary care record is only accessible by staff directly involved in a patient’s treatment. Patients have the option not to be part of the scheme, in which case health-care staff will continue to record details as before. This is part of a drive to introduce electronic patient records in the capital. To date, 29 of our 31 primary care trusts and seven out of 10 mental health trusts, and seven acute trusts are using the programme’s electronic patient record systems to provide better, safer patient care. Introducing the summary care record will extend the benefits of faster, more informed treatment to patients using A&E and out of hours services as well.

To find out more information about the summary care record, patients should contact the dedicated NHS Care Records Service information line on 0845 603 8510 0845 603 8510 or visit the website at http://www.nhscarerrecords.nhs.uk/summary