Medical record access given to three pharmacies

Three pharmacies have been given access to patients' medical records to help offer "more effective care".

The Government of Jersey said Reids in St Saviour, the Coop in St Clement and LV in St Helier would be allowed to see what medicines people were taking, what vaccinations they have had and any conditions or allergies.

It said the initiative would only be accessed "if required" to support patients with their care and help prevent delays and return visits to the pharmacies when additional information was needed.

Social Security Minister Elaine Millar said it would mean GPs, pharmacists and healthcare professionals could work more efficiently together.

The government said previously pharmacies would have to call or fax GP practices to obtain information about a patient's medical record, which could cause delays.

Millar said: "Giving pharmacists access to the right medical information will help them provide more effective care.

"Whether they're offering advice or dispensing medicines, having the information they need means islanders can receive the best possible care, while their privacy remains protected."

Matt Johnson, superintendent pharmacist at LV Pharmacy, said the access would save time for patients.

He added: "Information will only be accessed when there is a clear clinical reason for doing so and when it is relevant to the care being provided.

"Pharmacies can already obtain information from GP surgeries when needed, but digital access will improve the speed, accuracy and efficiency of that communication."

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