Ambition is to deploy NHS-wide interoperable IT systems
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NHSX is working with health-service organisations and the public to test new NHS-wide IT systems.
Referencing plans set out in 2018, public health minister Jo Churchill said that the government is committed to “developing interoperable IT systems to provide read and write access across health and care settings”.
Such systems would allow all organisations across the NHS – including primary and secondary providers, but also pharmacists – to not only access medical records, but amend them.
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“There is agreement across stakeholders that read and write access to patient records, where they are involved in the patient’s direct care, is necessary for pharmacists to play the increased role envisaged by the NHS Long Term Plan and the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework,” Churchill said.
Work on developing NHS-wide IT systems is underway, with NHSX currently working with health-service representatives, as well as citizens, according to the minister.
“However, there are no plans for a public consultation,” she said.
Churchill added: “NHSX is engaging with stakeholders including pharmacy contractors, IT suppliers and the public, including testing proposed digital solutions and considering issues such as patient consent and data security.”
The minister was answering a written parliamentary question from Labour MP for Knowsley, Sir George Howarth.