Access to the patient health record

 Give pharmacists access to medical records
so they can be fully informed when dispensing medicines.

Dialogue between pharmacist and patient

Hospital pharmacists have full access to patient health records, laboratory results and previous treatment. Anything less than this would be considered unsafe.

We’re calling for all pharmacists to have the same read and write access to patient health records (with patient consent).

It’s a simple way to improve patient care – and to make sure pharmacists have up-to-date patient information.

We’re also campaigning for records across the system to be interoperable, so multi-disciplinary teams can access a patient’s essential information.

We know this might need to happen over a number of different steps. To start, we’re calling for NHS Scotland to allow pharmacists access to Emergency Health Records.

This already happens in England and Wales – and means quicker and more convenient access to primary care for patients.

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Professor Nigel Mathers, RCGP Honorary Secretary says:

“In principle, giving community pharmacists access to patients’ relevant medical records – in the way that pharmacists based in GP practices will have - will be a good thing for patients and encourage more joined up working across the health and social care sectors."

Simon O’Neill, Director of Health Intelligence, Diabetes UK says:

"As a key member of the multi-disciplinary team, supporting people with diabetes, it seems only logical to give pharmacists access to the individual’s health record (with their permission)."

Steve Ford, Chief Executive at Parkinson's UK says:

"To ensure the right routine is maintained, pharmacists should have access to the most up-to-date and accurate patient information and be able to add to this when necessary to improve the patients’ holistic care."