What is the single patient record?

We often hear about how patients are frustrated at having to tell their story to multiple services throughout different parts of the NHS. Patients with complex or multiple conditions are particularly affected by the need to repeat themselves at different stages of their care.

The new Health Bill, includes proposals to introduce a Single Patient Record with the government drawing on Healthwatch England evidence about the problems patients face with incorrect and fragmented records. 

The Single Patient Record will be a digital record that brings together a patient’s health information in one, secure, easy-to-access place.

NHS England expect people to start viewing their Single Patient Record data from 2028 through the NHS App. Healthcare professionals will access the patient information they need from one single place too, supporting safer, quicker and more accurate care.

The Single Patient Record will provide healthcare professionals with a complete, reliable view of each patient and empower patients by giving them access control to their health data.

There is strong public support for a Single Patient Record if proper safeguards are in place. Questions remain as to which professionals or bodies will be able to see and use the data, and for what purposes.