“In March this year NHS Connecting for Health launched a public information programme in the first of a series of ‘early adopter’ Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). Patients in Bolton became the first in England to receive information telling them about the introduction of the new electronic Summary Care Record. The Summary Care Record forms the national element of the NHS Care Records Service which will see an electronic record being created for every person in England who does not opt-out by 2010.”
Report
Dr Gillian Braunold MB BS FRCGP, Clinical Director Summary Care Record & Programmes, 2007
(published at the ICMCC site with the author’s consent)
I already have a summary record available to all in case of emergency, It’s a 4×6 card, coloured bright red and has essential medical details and contacts. I carry copies in most coats. Cost? 6p instead of £30bn and deliverable today.
But record is only a sickness tool, not a health tool. For the 40% of us w long term conditions, and many more at high risk especially if screening takes off, we as patients need a holistic, personal health care plan. This means shared decision making and patient empowerment, and NHS culture change {Care Planning in Diabetes, DoH, Dec. 2006}.