Backing for NHS database

Centrally-held electronic records of core patient information could save lives and should be available in emergency situations, a Department of Health review has found.

A study of Summary Care Records (SCR) concluded storing information such as medications, allergies and demographic details would be valuable in ensuring safe treatment.

An opt-out system was introduced earlier this year, but was suspended after the British Medical Association warned it was being rolled-out too quickly.

The review, led by Professor Sir Bruce Keogh and involving patient groups, has agreed doctors should have access to essential medical information in emergencies and that it should be clearly defined what is kept on a central database.

A second study into how patients are informed of choices ruled it would be a waste to write again to the 30 million people already contacted.