The RCP has briefed members of the House of Lords on the single patient record and digital measures in the Health Bill, setting out the physician perspective on how better access to patient information could support safer and more joined up care.
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has briefed members of the House of Lords on proposals for a single patient record and wider digital measures in the Health Bill, highlighting the opportunities to improve the way that health information follows patients through the NHS.
At a virtual briefing on 10 November, Dr Anne Kinderlerer, consultant rheumatologist and RCP digital health clinical lead, outlined the value of the single patient record and ensuring that clinicians can access the information they need to provide safe and effective care.
The briefing formed part of the RCP’s ongoing engagement with parliamentarians as the Health Bill progresses through the House of Lords.
The RCP has welcomed the ambition to improve access to patient information across different healthcare settings. It has also been engaging with peers on amendments to the Bill, including proposals to ensure that relevant patient information can be made readily available through the single patient record to palliative and end-of-life care providers.
Speaking following the briefing, Dr Anne Kinderlerer said:
'Physicians see every day how important it is to have the right information available at the right time. A single patient record has real potential to improve the experience of both patients and clinicians, supporting safer, better coordinated care across different parts of the health service.
'As these proposals develop, it will be important that the system works for patients and the healthcare professionals caring for them, while maintaining trust in how people’s health information is accessed and used.'
The RCP will continue to work with members of the House of Lords as the Health Bill progresses, providing clinical expertise and the physician perspective on proposals.
Earlier this year, the RCP launched its view on digital and AI, calling on government to fix the digital foundations of the NHS, ensure digital solutions solve real world clinical problems and protect patient safety with robust, joined up regulation on AI.