Summary Care Record (SCR)
In the last few years there have been a number of schemes where data will be automatically extracted from GP computer systems & sent elsewhere, unless the patient has opted out.
It has become mandatory for GP practices to upload data to a Summary Care Record (SCR) for each patient and bath Row medical Practice will go live with this on the 2 March 2015.
What is SCR?
This is a national database that is intended to provide basic health information to all providers who need it. This is currently being rolled out across the country. It is intended that your personal details such as name, date of birth and address, NHS number, any treatments you take, any allergies you have and any “End of life” decisions you have made would be stored and made accessible to anyone needing it within the NHS – for example if you were seen in a Casualty department in another area of the country.
You can ask to “opt out” of the SCR if you wish by asking the practice to amend your records. However, you need to think carefully before opting out here — the SCR allows doctors throughout the country to access your basic information if they need, which will help them look after you, particularly if you are brought in unconscious. Many GP Practices would recommend to their patients that they should not block SCR data extraction to take place.
Patients however can block their data from being extracted if they wish by filling out an “opt out” form available from reception or here.