Summary Care Records
When you register with a GP in England, the practice creates something called a Summary Care Record (SCR).
The SCR will include information about you such as your name, address, date of birth and NHS number. It will also contain details of any current medication, allergies or bad reactions you may have had to medicines in the past.
Having an SCR means that anyone involved in your care has access to this vital information. For example, if you need urgent treatment at a hospital or other NHS location, staff will know everything they need to about your health to give you the best possible treatment.
Not having a Summary Care Record means crucial decisions about your treatment may be delayed or made without the complete information.
However, you have the choice to opt out of having an SCR. You will need to complete an SCR patient consent preference form. and return it to your GP practice.
National Opt-Out
If you do not want your data to be shared for purposes other than your healthcare, you need to complete a National Opt-Out.
Data sharing is vital to making sure that the NHS understands and adapts to patients’ changing needs. Data is also crucial in developing new initiatives, services and treatments such as vaccines. The NHS’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the development and distribution of vaccines, would not have been possible without access to such vital information.
However, you have the choice to opt out of having your data used for planning and research purposes.
Visit the NHS Your Data Matters for more information on how to make your choice.