NHS online starting to take shape
pharmafile | May 20, 2015 | News story | Medical Communications, Sales and Marketing | HSCIC, NHS, brett wells, nhs online
In England over 55 million patients can now order repeat prescriptions, book GP appointments and access their medical records online according to new figures.
Data published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) shows that over 97% of patients in England can now utilise online services, an increase from 3% in April last year.
Beverley Bryant who is the director of digital technology for NHS England, says: “Many patients want the flexibility of booking services online so we are delighted that GPs have worked so hard to make this possible. There is more to come as we develop services that will increasingly help patients take more control of their health.”
The figures show the number of GPs offering appointments, repeat prescriptions and access to summary information in medical records online has tripled in the first three months of the year – with almost every GP surgery in England offering the service.
Patients will still be able to contact their GP practice in person (or by phone) but will also have the online option. NHS England is also encouraging patients to ask their GP surgery to set-up their online access next time they visit.
Dr Masood Nazir, GP and national clinical lead for NHS England’s patient online programme adds: “Online services help to make patients’ lives easier and can reduce the paperwork for those in general practice. As GPs offer more online access we will continue to work closely with them to ensure they feel confident these services deliver real benefits for their patients.”
The long-touted ambition of the NHS is that by 2018 every citizen will be able to access their full health records online, detailing every GP and hospital visit, every prescription, test results – and adverse reactions even.
To fully meet this online modernisation milestone the NHS will continue to endure further questions around privacy, and on just who will have access to such sensitive medical information.
Brett Wells
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