Bosses insist new system is secure (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Bosses insist new system is secure

10:54am Thursday 25th February 2010

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A COMPUTERISED summary of the health needs of people in Hertfordshire is about to be created, offering faster and more efficient care.

The system, known as NHS Summary Care Records, will be available to staff through an internal system, but health bosses are insisting it is secure and people can opt out if they wish.

It will not record full medical history, but show any regular medication taken, allergies, and previous bad reactions to treatment, ensuring vital information is at hand in an emergency.

Anne Walker, chief executive of NHS Hertfordshire, said: “The Summary Care Record will play an important role in improving the quality of care delivered to patients, especially in urgent and emergency situations where often little or no information on someone’s medical history would be available to guide staff.

"Ensuring the people treating you have essential information about you will mean better, safer care. 

“The system has a number of strict security measures built in to ensure that your record can only be viewed by staff directly involved in your treatment, and only with your express permission if you are able to give it.

“Everyone will get a letter in the post to explain what Summary Care Records are and people will be offered the choice not to have a record created for them if they wish.

"I would strongly urge everyone to consider carefully the implications of not having an electronic record before making their decision."

In the absence of an objection, the record will created automatically.

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