More about the Electronic Health Record (EHR)
The EHR is being developed as a way of storing your medical information electronically, which will enable doctors and other health professional to access up to date information about you. Why do we need an Electronic Health Record? Under the present system, GPs and hospitals can only access information kept in their own records. If you have an accident and have to go to hospital, the healthcare staff at the hospital cannot see any information contained in your GP records. You may not be in a position to remember information that may make a difference between prompt care and delayed care.

What information will the EHR contain?
The EHR stores different types of information such as:

Your name, your date of birth and where you live.

Your GP's name and address.

A list of what operations you may have had and any Out Patients appointments that are due.

Details of any conditions you may have, along with any medications you may have been prescribed.

You may be allergic to certain drugs, this too will be recorded.

Who will be using my Electronic Health Record?
At the moment doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff have access to your medical records, these same people will have access to your Electronic Health Record. This will make it easier to co-ordinate your care to ensure it exactly meets your needs.

How will this benefit me as a patient?
Your care will be improved by accessing information at various stages of your treatment.

In an emergency doctors can access vital information about you.

It will be easier and faster for the doctor to decide on the best treatment because they will have more information to hand.

Long term care will be improved, especially in the area of cancer.