Written question asked by Lord Rea (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Thornton (Labour) on Thursday, 18 March 2010.

NHS: Medical Records

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the public information programme informing patients about summary care records in the National Health Service and the choices open to them.

Answer: A review of the public information programme was undertaken during the early adopter phase of the summary care record (SCR) programme so that the lessons from that phase could be learnt, and the programme updated, ahead of national rollout of the SCR. Research and interviews conducted provided the basis for an updated SCR public information programme toolkit, which was published in June 2009. As a result of the review the process to opt out of having a SCR was made easier. Information to inform patients' choices is accessible and is available in a wide range of languages and formats, including large print, easy read, audio and Braille. Patients can also telephone a dedicated National Health Service care records service information line for advice, where translation services are available for patients for whom English is not their first language.

Secondary information