Department of Health strategy enabling online access to GP records - ADASS and Alzheimer's Society comment

Directors of Adult Social Services, (ADASS who represent the directors of adult social services in local authorities in England) welcome the government’s ten-year framework for a health and social care information strategy.

The framework, called ‘The power of information’ sets a ten-year framework to transform access to information for the NHS, public health and social care. It includes a commitment that people will be able to access their GP records online by 2015.

The framework also aims for test results to be available electronically and for people to be able to book or re-arrange their medical appointments online.

ADASS believe: “The move, over the next decade, towards the greater integration of commissioning and service provision inevitably demands a closer relationship between the two services over the management of information.”

According to ADASS President Sarah Pickup, “Both NHS and local authorities have a lot to do within their own, discrete systems, to ensure that the proper flow of relevant information about users backs up and reinforces good professional practice.

“How much more vital is it, then,” she continued, “to ensure that when these two services are jointly responsible for the health and welfare of individual people, that information protocols are well and specifically designed to ensure they receive a seamless service.

“And what better way of ensuring that than involving individuals themselves in the protection and management of information about them.”

Mrs Pickup particularly underlined the government’s belief that success involves more than simply relying on IT and data systems – important as these are: “Success will also flow from a culture shift, as the government describes, and on recognising that collecting and sharing good information is pivotal to improving the quality, safety and effectiveness of our care, as well as our own experiences of care,” she said.

Alzheimer’s Society want assurances that the new strategy won’t exclude people who are unable to use computers. Louise Lakey, policy manager of Alzheimer’s Society said: “Choice and control must be at the heart of the changes that are being proposed for the NHS. Harnessing the power of the internet to help could be a useful step.

“However we need to make sure this doesn’t exclude people – including people with dementia – who may not be able to use computers. The information revolution has to benefit everyone.

“People with dementia are some of the worst affected by the existing problems surrounding the postcode lottery of care and poor integration between health and social care services. If we are to improve access and information, it is vital we close these gaps and ensure people can get the care they need at the time they need it wherever they live.”

Photo: ADASS President, Sarah Pickup