8:03am Thursday 3rd April 2008
By Bury Times Reporter
THOUSANDS of patients in the borough can now access their health records online.
They are among some of the first in the country to source health information via an online personal organiser known as HealthSpace.
Available since 2003, the service (www.healthspace.nhs.uk) gives patients the opportunity to store personal health information including height, weight and blood pressure readings to keep a track of their own health.
A new feature of HealthSpace is that patients registering for an "advanced account" can now view their summary care record online. This includes key information about a patient's health which is held in their medical records, such as medicines they are taking, any bad reactions they may have had to medicines and any allergies.
And this information enables NHS staff who are directly involved in delivering a patient's care to access this important data, ensuring the best possible treatment.
Health bosses say strict and robust safeguards are in place to protect the security and confidentiality of every patient's health care record.
By the end of March, 138,000 Bury patients from 23 local practices currently taking part will be able to access their summary care record online. Ann Halpin, associate director for information management and technology and performance for Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT) said: "This is a really exciting development for Bury. Giving access to patients will enable people to check their own records for accuracy."
Barbara Barlow, chairman of Bury's Patient and Public Involvement Forum has been involved in the project from the outset, both as a user of services and as a patient representative.
She said: "As a patient, I personally welcome the opportunity to check my health records. There will be many benefits in the future but some will be immediate.
"On my last visit to the GP I was prescribed some new medication and, to my delight, I was able to read the update the same evening."
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