London GPs told to hold fire on SCR

GPs in London have been told to do nothing about the Summary Care Record until they get the go-ahead from the BMA’s GP committee.

Londonwide Local Medical Committees has told GPs that it believes patient opt-in is the only acceptable way forward.

it has also told them that the BMA’s General Practitioner Committee is continuing to discuss an opt-in with NHS Connecting for Health.

In October, the Department of Health published the results of its two reviews of the SCR that recommended that its content should be limited to core information and that an opt-out form should be included in patient information packs.

Health minister Simon Burns said he hoped the reviews would “draw a line under the controversies that the SCR has generated.”

However, it would seem that GPs remain concerned by the implied consent model, and that this could yet prove a sticking point when it comes to a widespread roll-out of the record.

A spokesperson for Londonwide LMCs told EHI Primary Care: “Our position remains the same – patient opt-in is the only acceptable way forward. We understand the GPC are continuing to address this.”

Kevin Jarrold, chief information officer for NHS London, wrote to primary care trust chief executives last month about the conclusion of the DH reviews.

He told PCT chief executives that “we are now looking to regain the momentum in rolling out the Summary Care Record across London” but added that it was important to do this with the support of Londonwide LMCs.

He said NHS London was  talking to Londonwide LMCs about further roll-out.

The letter adds: “We will support you to work through the practicalities of implementing the SCR review recommendations so that we can progress with implementation.

"Throughout this process, it is vital that PCTs continue to work closely with local LMCs and GP practices so that we can provide them with the support they need.”