Summary care Record

The NHS in England is now using an electronic record called the Summary Care Record (SCR), which is being used to support patient care.

The Summary Care Record is a copy of key information held in your GP record – medicines you are taking, any allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines that you have previously experienced.

Authorised healthcare staff will be able to securely access this essential information about you when you need emergency care or when your GP practice is closed. This means that healthcare staff can provide safer care, whenever or wherever you need it, anywhere in England.

You can choose to have an SCR or you can choose to opt out.

If you choose to have a Summary Care Record and are registered with a GP practice, you do not need to do anything as a Summary Care Record is created for you.

If you choose to opt out of having a Summary Care Record and do not want a SCR, you need to let your GP practice know by filling in and returning an opt-out form. Opt-out forms are available from your GP practice or online.