Leeds launches pilot for NHS service access to GP records

Leeds has become the first city to go live on NHS Digital’s GP Connect service, which aims to offer clinicians across all care settings on-the-spot access to patients’ records.

The service will provide point-of-care access to patients’ GP records across general practice surgeries, as well as community, mental health, and hospital care settings, with the implementation supported by EMIS Health,

Phase one of the programme’s rollout will see care professionals given the ability to share and read patient records – even when two organisations use differing clinical systems.

In due course, GP Connect will also offer doctors “secure access to structured medications and allergies information in a patient’s record,” NHS Digital said. This is intended to enable “more efficient appointment management between practices”, including the ability to book appointments at other care locations.

The implementation in Leeds is a pilot scheme, with a wider rollout to take place over the coming months.

Dr Alistair Walling, chief clinical information officer for Leeds, said: “We have embraced GP Connect in Leeds because it helps to deliver truly patient-centred care.  Using the technology to provide timely information to care professionals when supporting patients’ care whether at home, in the community or hospital helps provide safer and better care.  We have a clear vision in Leeds to be the best city for health and wellbeing and digital achievement of this nature really help us to deliver our goals for our patients.”

Cath Johnson, clinical lead for GP Connect at NHS Digital, added: “Going live in Leeds is a great achievement for all involved and we are delighted that GP Connect is now being used to improve patient experience and care across the city.”