Setting up an EMIS Hub

National Data Sharing via GP Connect and Summary Care Record Additional Information

In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, a national decision was made to enable GP Connect across all GP Practices to share data nationally for direct care purposes. Additionally, the policy regarding the Summary Care Record (SCR) was also updated meaning that Summary Care Record Additional Information was made available to organisations accessing the SCR by default, unless the patient had previously told the NHS that they did not want their information to be shared.

This was originally implemented under the COPI Notices, which have now expired. However, a decision has been made Nationally to continue with the sharing via GP Connect and of the Summary Care Record Additional Information beyond the COPI Notices expiry under the lawful basis of Article 6(1)(e) and Article 9(2)(h) of the UK GDPR. In terms of the duty of confidentiality, GP Practices can rely upon implied consent for the sharing, with the opt out also being applied. Further information regarding this can be found here. 

What does the Practice need to do?

• Ensure that the sharing via GP Connect and Summary Care Record is covered within your privacy notice. To assist, NHSE have drafted the wording below for practices:

GPConnect

We share your record using GP Connect to make sure that, whether you are visiting the practice, attending hospital, or being seen in the community or at home by a care professional, everyone knows the care you need and how you want to be treated. Your electronic health record is available to local providers who are involved in your care. This includes the sharing of, personal contact details, diagnosis, medications, allergies and test results. Your records will be treated with the strictest confidence and can only be viewed if you use their service. 

Please note that if you have previously dissented (opted-out) to sharing your records, this decision will be upheld. 

Should you wish to opt-out of, please speak to [Insert Contact Details/Employee role] who will be able to update your personal preferences. Please note that by opting out of this sharing, other health professionals may not be able to see important medical information, which may impact on the care you receive. 

Summary Care Record (SCR) 

NHS England have implemented the SCR which contains information about you; including your name, address, data of birth, NHS number, medication you are taking and any bad reactions to medication that you have had in the past. This information is automatically extracted from your records and uploaded onto a central system.

Many patients who are seen outside of their GP Practice are understandably not able to provide a full account of their care or may not be in a position to do so. The SCR means patients do not have to repeat their medical history at every care setting and the healthcare professional they are seeing is able to access their SCR. The SCR can only be viewed within the NHS on NHS smartcard-controlled screens or by organisations, such as pharmacies, contracted to the NHS. 

As well as this basic record, additional information will also be added to include further information. You can find out more about the SCR here: https://digital.nhs.uk/services/summary-care-records-scr

• Review the Practice’s Record of Processing Activities (ROPA) (also referred to as data mapping) and ensure that this has been updated to include this sharing, as part of your Data Security and Protection Toolkit and Information Asset Owner compliance documentation.

All patients with online accounts will be able to view all new entries in their GP medical records from the go-live date. This access will be comprehensive, including the usual coded information alongside free text entries and letters/documents scanned into the clinical system. 

Further information regarding this (including the steps that the practice must take) can be found in the email issued to practices on the 21st of June 2022. Additional information and resources are also available on the NHS Digital’s website.