A Summary Care Record is an electronic record which contains information about the medicines you take, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had.
Having this information stored in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed.
Only healthcare staff involved in your care can see your Summary Care Record. Those who look at your Summary Care Record need to:
- Be directly involved in caring for you;
- Have a Smartcard with a chip and pass code (like a bank card and PIN).
Healthcare staff will only see the information they need to do their job, and they will ask your permission every time they need to look at your Summary Care Record.
If you were a registered NHS patient in 2013 you have already been informed about this system and given the opportunity to opt out. You have the right to change your mind and can opt in or out by completing the official form from the NHS website or the Practice Data Sharing Options form.