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Is care record push linked to the election?

Could there be a link between the sudden desire to accelerate the rollout of the Summary Care Record and the coming general election? PCTs appear to have been as surprised by this sudden announcement and lack of planning as GPs (''If in doubt opt out' GP leaders warn patients on Summary Care Records').

If the care record project survives the election, the first stage would be like in Scotland – medication and adverse reactions only. But phase two would upload full details under assumed consent plus secondary care information such as discharge letters.

It is not clear how the creation of the care record will be prevented when a patient has opted out at the surgery, as the Read code preventing upload will not be available to secondary care.

From Dr Mary Hawking, Dunstable, Bedfordshire