New electronic patient records system could save lives, Shropshire health bosses say

The records will be ready to go live in the summer, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group has announced.

It means a doctor in a hospital, or a paramedic who attends a 999 call will be able to access the same crucial information as a GP when they need it. In some situations, knowing details of any allergies, medications or long-term conditions could potentially save lives health bosses say.

Andrew Roberts, clinical lead for the integrated care records said: “The electronic integrated care records system allows healthcare professionals to view information which is held by different health and care services. It means we will be able to improve quality and outcomes for those being treated and cared for across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

“Many regions across England have already moved to this record-sharing system, or are in process in doing so, including Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”

Currently, local health and care services hold separate pieces of information about patients – which isn’t easily accessible between different organisations.

Preferences

With the new system, health practitioners will have access to up-to-date records for people’s medical and care needs, making care safer and reducing duplication. It will prevent patients being asked for information repeatedly and ensure that their care preferences are shared and understood by all those caring for them.

Mr Roberts said: “In an emergency, it is important that the clinician knows as much about you as possible to make the right decisions about how to treat you.

“Patients are often frustrated when they have to repeatedly give the same information to people from different parts of the NHS and social care. There can also be delays caused by records not being easily accessible. This new system will help put an end to that.”

To explain the new system to local people, a ‘Fair Processing’ campaign was launched this week and will run for 12 weeks. It will promote the benefits of integrated care records, and also explain how people can opt out if they wish to.

Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICS is working in partnership with local NHS organisations, local authorities and system suppliers to develop the electronic integrated care records system, which will be rolled out across the local area from summer 2021.

Anyone with concerns or who wants to know more can email onehealthandcare@nhs.net