Medical records scheme rolled out to A&E

3:47pm Tuesday 3rd June 2008

A CONTROVERSIAL medical records scheme being piloted in Bolton, which sees patients' details placed on a central computer system, has been rolled out to A&E.

But computer systems at the Royal Bolton Hospital's casualty department are not yet geared up to use the programme, so paper records will be used instead.

The roll-out means emergency doctors will be able to get immediate access to information on allergies, medication and long-standing health problems.

Tim Evans, chief executive of Bolton Primary Care Trust, said: "We want to get the best out of this system. We don't think this paper system is perfect but it's a way to get the most benefit.

"It will give doctors and appropriate nurses access to vital information and improve people's treatment and outcomes."

The summary care records are printed out and attached to patient's paper notes.

Hospital bosses have played down any risk to security and say it is just as safe as the current system.

Mr Evans said: "It will be as secure as existing systems. We are the first place in the country to introduce summary care records so there are other aspects of the national IT programme upgrade that aren't moving at the same time."

Some family GPs in Bolton have already expressed concern about the security of the electronic system, which will be rolled out nationally.

They are also unhappy that patients have to opt out of the scheme, rather than agree to be part of it.

So far 11 GP practices - around 66,000 patients - have already agreed to be part of the scheme in Bolton.

It is also up and running at the out-of-hours GP service and patients can view their own summary care record online if they register for a secure HealthSpace account.