Published on: 24th October 2016
In Lincolnshire, we are improving the way information about you is shared between health and care workers in order to deliver better care.
Any health and social care organisation that you have contact with keeps a record about you. Some information is recorded on paper records but most is held electronically on secure computer systems across a number of health and social care organisations. The information includes care you have received and any conditions that you are currently being treated for.
We have over 100 different systems in Lincolnshire and the Hospital Trust by itself has as many as 80. Staff looking after you, such as doctors and nurses, rely on information in your records to plan and deliver your care effectively.
Lincolnshire’s health and care organisations have come together to launch a new system which will make it easier for staff to review the information they need to look after you, even if your treatment has been provided by more than one organisation in Lincolnshire.
The new system is called the Care Portal
It will provide a view of selected information about you that is contained in existing electronic record systems across the county. This will include lab tests, x-rays, appointments and discharge letters, as well as things like your medication, allergies and any care plans that you might have put together with your GP, carer or social worker.
What the Care Portal means for you
Health workers can check your x-rays and test results electronically via their computer quickly and easily.
This means your treatment can start sooner, and it will help to ensure that test results like blood tests are not repeated.
If you have a long term condition, such as diabetes, where you see a number of different healthcare workers, they will be able to have a view of all of your care and make sure it is coordinated to support you most effectively.
If you are taken to hospital and don’t have capacity to give permission (for instance if you are unconscious) then emergency care workers will be able to access your records to see key information like the medication you are on or the conditions you have – this could be critical in your treatment and ultimately your recovery.
Healthcare workers in the community will be able to see information relating to any hospital stay so that your discharge back home, or into another care setting in the community, is coordinated. The Care Portal will deliver more joined up, coordinated care delivered by staff working more effectively together, with more time saved to focus on patients.
What do I need to do now?
If you are happy for your information to be shared through the Care Portal, then you don’t have to do anything. You can withdraw consent at any time.
If you do not agree to your clinical and care information being viewed in the Care Portal the health and care staff caring for you may not be aware of important information relevant to your treatment. This information may include current medication, any allergies, previous test results or details of any care or treatment you may have received within Lincolnshire previously. Health workers cannot override your decision even in a medical emergency.
If you do not want to allow your information to be accessed by health and care workers through the Care Portal you will need to complete an opt out form. These are available from your GP, you can download one at www.lincolnshire.nhs.uk/together/care-portal or call 01522 421888 to request a form to be sent to you.
For any queries please call 01522 421888 or visit www.lincolnshire.nhs.uk/together/care-portal for more information.
