The GM Care Record, using technology from Graphnet, has been deployed across Greater Manchester as part of the region’s COVID-19 response.
It means health and care data can be shared and healthcare professionals can have vital, instant access to the records of 2.8 million citizens.
The deployment was accelerated in response to COVID-19, taking place over the last seven weeks, and has been used by 6,000 professionals to access information within the first few days.
To help with the COVID-19 response and recovery plans in the region, the technology collates information held by different providers such as up to date medical records, medications and test results.
Guy Lucchi, Digital Innovation Director, Health Innovation Manchester/GM Health and Social Care Partnership, said “The GM Care Record supports clinical decision making by providing access to important information on medications, test results, care plans and social care support. All of which are essential to treating COVID-19 and other health conditions.”
“The accelerated deployment of the single GM Care record is a major step forward in ensuring patients are provided with the best possible care based on the most accurate and up to date information.
The project has been overseen by Health Innovation Manchester and the GM Health and Social Care Partnership, working on behalf of GM’s devolved health and care partners.
Dr Tom Tasker, GP and Chair of the GM Joint Commissioning Board “It has been a great achievement to move forward with the GM Care Record at such pace and scale, with commissioners, GPs and providers working together in the best interest of patients. Providing health and care professionals with access to this information is essential in the fight against COVID-19 and ensuring continuity across care pathways.”
In addition, business intelligence, analytics, monitoring and planning tools using anonymised data will help researchers and health leaders in the regional response strategy.
Dr Kiran Patel, Bury GP and Chair of the secondary uses oversight and scrutiny group, commented “As well as informing direct care, the GM Care Record will help the NHS to understand more about how COVID-19 is affecting the health and wellbeing of local communities and what services need to be in place, as well as informing the world leading research being conducted by our four GM universities.”
