Care Data
Information about you and the care you receive is shared, in a secure system, by healthcare staff to support your treatment and care.
It is important that we, the NHS, can use this information to plan and improve services for all patients. We would like to link information from all the different places where you receive care, such as your GP, hospital and community service, to help us provide a full picture. This will allow us to compare the care you received in one area against the care you received in another, so we can see what has worked best.
Information such as your postcode and NHS number, but not your name, will be used to link your records in a secure system, so your identity is protected. Information which does not reveal your identity can then be used by others, such as researchers and those planning health services, to make sure we provide the best care possible for everyone.
You have a choice. If you are happy for your information to be used in this way you do not have to do anything. If you have any concerns or wish to prevent this from happening, please speak to practice staff or download a copy of the leaflet “How information about you helps us to provide better care”. below
We need to make sure that you know this is happening and the choices you have.
How information about you helps us to provide better care
Care Data - Frequently Asked Questions
You can find out more on the NHS England Care Data website
Greater Manchester (GM) Care Record
Each health and care organisation in Greater Manchester collects information about you and keeps records about the care and services they have provide. The GM Care Record pulls together this key information about you from these different health and social care records and displays it in one combined record. This enables health and social care staff to find key information about your care in one place which helps them to make the most informed decisions and provide the best care to you as a patient or service user. It is also essential that health and social care staff have access to the most up to date information including alerts that may be helpful for staff involved in your care.
We also remove or scramble the information that identifies you such as your name, address, and date of birth so that we can use this information to better plan our services, make sure that we are providing the best care, and for research into different conditions.
Health Innovation Manchester works across Greater Manchester’s Health and Care system and is rolling out the GM Care Record on behalf of our partners.
Summary Care Record
There is a new Central NHS Computer System called the Summary Care Record (SCR). It 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.
Why do I need a Summary Care Record?
Storing information in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed.
This information could make a difference to how a doctor decides to care for you, for example which medicines they choose to prescribe for you.
Who can see it?
Only healthcare staff involved in your care can see your Summary Care Record.
How do I know if I have one?
Over half of the population of England now have a Summary Care Record. You can find out whether Summary Care Records have come to your area by looking at our interactive map or by asking your GP
Do I have to have one?
No, it is not compulsory. If you choose to opt out of the scheme, then you will need to complete a form and bring it along to the surgery. You can use the form at the foot of this page.
More Information
For further information visit the NHS Care records website