PATIENTS health records are to be put online this year. Summary Care Records – which will initially contain information about individuals medications, allergies, and bad reactions to medicines – will be created for all adults registered with a GP. Dr To

PATIENTS' health records are to be put online this year.

Summary Care Records - which will initially contain information about individuals' medications, allergies, and bad reactions to medicines - will be created for all adults registered with a GP.

Dr Tony Kostick, a GP at the Bedwell and Roebuck Surgery in Stevenage, said: "It could be life-saving. If you are unconscious or confused or unable to remember the names and quantities of all your medicines or allergies, clinicians will be able to find this vital information quickly, instead of it being held only in your GP surgery.

"The Summary Care Record will improve patient safety and avoid duplication of tests."

Anne Walker, chief executive of NHS East and North Hertfordshire, added: "The system has a number of strict security measures built-in to ensure your record can only be viewed by staff directly involved in your treatment, and only with your express permission if you are able to give it."

All adults registered with a GP will receive an information pack explaining how the scheme works.

People in Hertfordshire will automatically have a Summary Care Record created by the end of 2010, unless they opt out of the scheme.

Ms Walker said: "I would strongly urge everyone to read the information pack and consider carefully the implications of not having an electronic record before making their decision."

For more information, call the NHS Care Records Service on 0845 603 8510 or visit www.nhscarerecords.nhs.uk/summary