DR G MCINERNEY

We (the NHS in England) are changing the way we store and manage your health records. Today, records are kept in all the places where you receive care. These places can usually only share information from your records by letter, email, fax or phone. At times, this can slow down treatment and sometimes information can be hard to access. By making more health records electronic, there will be quicker ways to get important information to NHS healthcare staff treating you, including in an emergency.

We are introducing new computer systems and services to improve the safety and quality of your care. Better access to your information makes your care quicker, safer and more personal. Over time, more health records will be made electronic, giving our staff quicker access to reliable information about you to help with your treatment, including in an emergency. It is likely that your GP or consultant already uses a computer system to keep notes of appointments they have with you, plus any medicines you have been prescribed, test results and details of any referrals to other healthcare staff.