What is a Summary Care Record, and How Do You Access Yours?
Patient Education
Sep 25
If you’re exploring medical cannabis care in the UK, you may have come across the term ‘Summary Care Record’, but aren’t sure what it means. This guide explains what it is and why it matters for your care.
If you are registered with an NHS GP in England, you most likely already have a Summary Care Record (SCR). An SCR is normally created for patients registered with a GP practice in England, unless you opted out. In fact, 98% of GP practices in England use this system to help keep patients safe. An SCR is a limited summary of key information, not your complete medical record.
If you’re based in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, your health and medical records are referred to slightly differently. Here’s a breakdown:
Your SCR is a secure digital record held by the NHS. It stores your most important health information in one place, including your current and past medications, allergies and any previous reactions to medicines.
When a health or care professional needs to treat you, your SCR gives them what they need to make safe, informed decisions about your care.
Only health and care professionals directly involved in your care are authorised to view your SCR. This includes GPs, specialist doctors, nurses, social or health care workers, and administrators supporting your care.
Before anyone can gain access to medical records through your SCR, they should ask for your permission. In an emergency, for example if you are unconscious, they may view it without your permission if it is needed for your care.
Having your health and medical information stored securely in one place can make a real difference to your care. Your SCR helps to:
Before starting your care, your medical cannabis clinic will ask for permission to view your NHS GP records. Clinicians need relevant and reliable medical information to assess suitability and prescribe safely.
If you’re based in England and registering with Dispensed UK for medical cannabis care, you’ll be asked to share your NHS GP records as part of the process. You can share your medical records quickly and securely through the ORB App Login Page.
If you prefer not to share access to your medical records this way, or don’t have access to ORB Connect, simply ask your GP for a digital copy of your medical records.
Currently, ORB Connect is only available in England.
Taking time to understand your health and medical records is a simple and important step towards taking control of your own care. Your Summary Care Record plays a key role in helping health and care professionals build a safe and suitable treatment plan for you.
At Dispensed UK, we believe good care starts with clear information. If you have any questions about your SCR or need help getting started, our team is here for you. Just drop us a message on live chat on dispensed.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Treatment decisions are made by qualified clinicians based on individual clinical assessment. UK cannabis regulation and clinical evidence continue to evolve.
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