As reported by Digital Health, doctors and clinicians will no longer need to search across multiple systems or make decisions with incomplete information, under plans to introduce a single, joined-up patient record across the NHS
Hospitals, GP surgeries and other healthcare providers will be legally required to share patient data under new legislation aimed at creating a single patient record (SPR), the government has confirmed.
A single patient record will be introduced in parts of the National Health Service as early as next year. The measure will form part of a wider health bill that also includes plans to abolish NHS England by 2027.
In some areas of care, including maternity services and frailty care, the system is expected to be available to clinicians from 2027 onwards, supporting more consistent access to patient information.
The proposed record system is intended to give patients greater oversight and control over their data, with built-in safeguards, audit trails and clearer choices about how their information is accessed and used.
Ministers say the aim is to bring together currently fragmented health information into a single system, helping clinicians deliver faster, safer and more accurate care.
The legislation will allow patient health and care data to be processed for the creation and operation of the SPR. Officials say strong protections will be included to guard against data breaches, and both the public and healthcare professionals will be involved in shaping the system as it is developed.
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