Your health records

NHS South East Essex will soon be working with your GP and the NHS Care Records Service to introduce an improved system for managing your health records.

These improvements will mean quicker, safer ways to get important information to NHS staff treating you, especially in an emergency.

Old paper records are gradually being replaced by secure, computerised records. This will help to deliver better, safer care and give you more choice about who is able to see your information.

There will be two important developments:

1) The new Summary Care Record, a secure computerised record derived initially from your GP notes. It will contain information on allergies, medications and any bad reactions to medicines. This will prove particularly useful if, for instance, you are taken ill away from home and clinical staff need access to your key health details. Click on the links below to read more:

National Summary Care Record leaflet (in English. Click here for other languages)

Key benefits for patients and staff

Frequently asked questions

Choosing not to have a Summary Care Record
The information in your Summary Care Record could save you and the NHS time, but could also one day be lifesaving. However, you can opt out of having a Summary Care Record. If you do not wish to have one, you need to print off this Opt-Out Form, complete and sign it and give it to your GP practice. This will bring together medical records you might have with a number of local NHS organisations, for instance, your GP, district nurse, health visitor or physiotherapy service.

Local summary care and detailed care record leaflet

The care record guarantee - our commitment to you

2) Changes to the way your GP-based Detailed Record is added to and used. This will bring together medical records you might have with a number of local NHS organisations, for instance, your GP, district nurse, health visitor or physiotherapy service.

The new Summary Care Record will be phased in gradually next year. When your GP is able to offer you this service we will write to you to tell you more about it and the choices you have.

To find out more

Call our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, on 01702 224629.
Visit the NHS Care Records website
Call the NHS Care Record Patient Information Line on 0845 603 8510 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Speak to your health care worker, GP or practice staff.

The National Summary Care Record leaflet is also available in the following languages: