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The Summary Care Record (SCR) is an electronic record of important patient information created from GP medical records. It can be seen and used by authorised staff in other areas of the health and care system who are involved in the patient’s direct care. Therefore, the GP medical records must be up to date so that the SCR can provide a full picture of the patient to be able to treat them safely.
Not all medications are prescribed by a GP at a GP practice. Other care settings, for example Accident and Emergency departments, community pharmacies, paramedics and dentists can also prescribe medication to patients, including repeat medication. If these medications are not recorded back into the GP practice record, it could result in healthcare professionals not having enough information to make an informed clinical decision about a patient’s care.