First practice lets patients view records on internet

Patients at a practice in Derby-shire are the first in the country to be able to access their own records via the internet.

The 15,000 patients at the 11-partner practice in Glossop are able to view their record through the practice's website or via www.patient.co.uk using a secure login. They can also book appointments and request repeat prescriptions.

The system will allow access to the whole record including referral letters.

Incoming laboratory test results will be barred until they have been interpreted by the GP and the patient has been in for a consultation.

Sean Riddell, deputy managing director of EMIS ­ which provides the service ­ said security in the system was 'paramount' and that there were information 'airlocks' to prevent hacking.

The system will be rolled

out nationally if it proves

successful.