If you are registered with a GP practice in England, you will already have a Summary Care Record (SCR), unless you have previously chosen not to have one. Your SCR contains key information about the medicines you are taking, allergies you suffer from, and any adverse reactions to medicines you have had in the past.
Why It’s Important
Information about your healthcare may not be routinely shared across different healthcare organisations and systems. You may need to be treated by health and care professionals who do not know your medical history. Essential details about your healthcare can be difficult to remember, particularly when you are unwell or have complex care needs.
Having a Summary Care Record can help provide healthcare staff treating you with vital information from your health record. This will help the staff involved in your care make better and safer decisions about how best to treat you
Local Record Sharing
In addition to your SCR, local record sharing allows healthcare professionals within your local area to access your health information. This ensures that all relevant details are available to those directly involved in your care, improving the continuity and quality of your treatment.
National Care Records Service (NCRS)
The National Care Records Service (NCRS) is a secure system that allows authorised health and care professionals across England to access your health information when needed. This service is particularly useful when you are treated outside your usual GP practice, such as in an emergency or when traveling
The NCRS provides a comprehensive summary of your health and care information, ensuring that healthcare providers have the necessary details to make informed decisions about your care.
You can opt-out from having a summary care record by using our online Summary Care Record opt out form.