INDIVIDUAL HEALTH RECORD
The Individual Health Record is a summary of your GP record, which will let GPs and nurses working in your local Out of Hours Service see some basic information about your medical history.
They will only be able to access this information if you need care from the Out of Hours Service and you tell them that they can see it.
Why is the Individual Health Record needed?
To provide better information about you to the medical staff providing out of hours care. This will help improve the quality, safety and convenience of your care.
What sort of information is in my Individual Health Record?
It will have your name, address and contact details; details of your current GP practice; what medication you’re taking or have been taking; medical problems you’ve seen your GP about; allergies and the results of any recent tests.
Only the last two years medication history will be shown and only the previous year’s test results will be available.
Who can look at my Individual Health Record?
Only GPs and nurses working in your local Out of Hours Service will be able to see your Individual Health Record, with your permission.
Can I see my Individual Health Record?
Yes, subject to certain conditions. The data protection act 1998 allows you to find out what information about you is contained in your medical record.
You can apply for a copy of your Out of Hours record, by writing to the Out of Hours Service provider.
If you want a copy of your full GP record you will need to write to your GP practice. There may be a charge for this.
Do they need my permission to look at my Individual Health Record?
Yes. Each time you contact the Out of Hours Service, the medical staff involved in your care will ask for your permission. Your decision will be respected and recorded on the system.
What if I can’t give my permission?
The Out of Hours medical staff will always act in your best interests when deciding whether they need to access your Individual Health Record if you cannot give your permission, for example if you are unconscious. Any decision to access your Individual Health Record when you are not able to give your permission will be recorded on the system and the reason why the decision was taken.