The need to share patient medical data has become increasingly paramount. The Health and Social (Safety and Quality) Act 2015, which came into effect on 1st October 2015, sets a duty of information to be shared where it facilitates care for an individual and it is legal to do so. This sharing requires the patient to be informed and provide them with an opportunity to object.

Summary Care Records (SCRs) are an electronic record of key information from a patient's GP practice and as a minimum contain the 'core' dataset of medication, allergies and adverse reactions. 96% of patients have an SCR and the benefits are already clear, including improvements in patient safety and experience, and in the efficiency and effectiveness of patient care. Over 85% of GP practices now have enhanced functionality to simply and efficiently create 'richer' SCRs. Patients are required to provide their 'express consent' before their GP practice can create an SCR which contains additional information beyond the 'core' dataset.

Health and care organisations will ensure that people providing care to you have the information the need about you for your individual care.

When your information is shared with people providing care, your health and care organisation will ensure that this information is relevant and appropriate as they must balance any sharing of your information and their duty to protect your confidentiality.

You can always ask how your information is being shared and you can object to this. You should discuss any objection with your healthcare organisation as there may be times when not sharing your information might impact on providing you with safe care.

Your health care organisation must be clear about how and where they share your information. This is contained in a privacy notice, which must be clear and easily visible, ususally on the website.

There are several of different ways to access your medical records for free; and healthcare professionals have a legal requirment to allow you to see.

Patients have a legal right to request a copy of the information we hold about them, in line with GDPR. By completing a 'Subject Access Request' form, you can request one of the following:

 - Brief Medical Summary

 - Full Medical Summary

 - A Copy of All notes

 - A specific document

Patients can now view their medical record via the NHS App; if you're a patient at our practice, you can now use the NHS App to access a wide range of NHS services via your smartphone or tablet. You can use the NHS App to get health advice, book appointments, order repeat medication, view your GP health records and more.

Accessing Someone Else's Records

Health and care records are confidential, so you can only access someone else's records if you're authorised to do so.

Pleaser see link for futher information on Accessing Someone Else's Records.

Can I access someone else's medical records (health records)? - NHS(www.nhs.uk)

Getting Your Records Changed

If you suspect something in your medical records is incorrect, please get in contact with the surgery.

Changing Your First Name:

Notify us in writing or via the Change of Details form on our website.

Changing Your Surname (Except by Marriage):

Please provide proof of the change (e.g., passport, driving licence, or deed poll).

Changing Your Title:

Title changes must align with the gender listed in your medical record (e.g., Miss/Ms/Mrs for female; Mr for male). Non-Gender-Specific Title: You may choose "Mx" if you do not want a gender-specific title.

Important Note for Secondary Care:

- Inform any secondary care providers (e.g., hospitals) of your changes as updates made at the surgery will not alter records held by hospitals.

Changing Your Gender on NHS Records:

 We cannot change the gender on your existing medical record.

You can request a new medical record in your preferred gender identity. Your current record will be closed, and you will be issued a new NHS number and a new blank medical record.

Implications of a New Medical Record:

Your previous medical history can be attached as a 'document' but will take longer for clinicians to access. Regular medications will be added to the new record by a clinician upon your next request. You will need to set up the NHS App again under your new identity.

Additional Considerations:

Immunisation Records can be printed but will show your birth gender and previous name. NHS England may take up to 4 months to process gender change requests and issue a new NHS number. The surgery will process the new registration within a few days once we receive the information from NHS England. If you later decide to revert to your previous gender identity, you will receive another new medical record and NHS number; the original NHS number cannot be reinstated.

Please ensure that all changes are communicated promptly to ensure your medical records are up to date and accurate.

PLEASE EMAIL ALL CHANGE OF GENDER REQUESTS TO: berrycroft.health@nhs.net