We respect your right to privacy and keep all your health information confidential and secure.
Your Summary Care Record is confidential and can only be accessed by authorised NHS staff who are involved in your care. Each time it is viewed, permission is requested, unless there is an emergency where access is required to protect your health.
You can choose:
- To have an SCR with core information only
- To add additional information
- To opt out of having an SCR altogether
What is a Summary Care Record?
A Summary Care Record (SCR) is an electronic record that contains key information about your health. It is created from your GP record and is used across the NHS to support your care, particularly in emergency or urgent situations.
The SCR usually includes:
- Your current medications
- Any allergies
- Any adverse reactions you have had to medicines
Some patients may also choose to include additional information, such as long‑term conditions, significant medical history, or information to support end‑of‑life care.
Why is it important?
The Summary Care Record allows authorised healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and paramedics, to quickly access essential information when you need care away from your usual GP practice — for example in A&E, out‑of‑hours services, walk‑in centres, or ambulance services.
This helps ensure that:
- You receive safe and appropriate treatment
- Medicines are prescribed more safely
- Allergies or sensitivities are not missed
- Care decisions can be made quickly when you may not be able to communicate easily
