The Single Patient Record (SPR)

The Single Patient Record (SPR) will combine important health information – such as test results, hospital letters, and summaries from GP and hospital care – into a single, easy-to-access record. Patients will be able to view this information themselves through the NHS App.

The SPR is designed to:

• give patients more control over their health information;
• reduce the need to repeat information at appointments;
• help healthcare professionals see the bigger picture of a patient’s health; and
• support better coordination between care settings.

It’s part of the NHS’s 10-Year Health Plan, which sets out three major shifts in healthcare:

1. From analogue to digital
2. From hospital to community
3. From treating illness to preventing it

Pharmacy teams may already be familiar with systems like the Summary Care Record (SCR) and Shared Care Records (ShCRs). The SPR builds on these but goes further:

The SPR aims to create a single version of the truth by combining data from multiple sources, removing duplication, and resolving inconsistencies. It will allow patients and professionals to work from the same record, with the ability to read, write, and share care plans.

The SPR could bring real benefits for pharmacy teams and the people they support. For example:

• Better access to information: Pharmacists could see a fuller picture of a patient’s medicines, including those prescribed in hospitals.
• Fewer phone calls: With more information available, there may be less need to contact GP practices for clarification.
• Improved safety: Access to up-to-date records could help reduce errors and improve patient outcomes.
• More efficient care: Having the right information at the right time could support smoother workflows and better decision-making.

While the SPR has clear benefits, there are important challenges to address:

• Incomplete data: If all care settings (including pharmacy) don’t contribute, the SPR won’t be truly “single” or complete.
• Integration issues: Pharmacy systems vary, and switching suppliers can disrupt access.
• GP engagement: As GP records are central to the SPR, their participation is essential.
• Standardisation: Shared Care Records (ShCRs) differ across regions. A national approach is needed to avoid fragmentation.
• Workflow fit: SPR access must be built into pharmacy systems at the right point in the workflow to avoid extra admin.
• Liability concerns: Pharmacists need clarity on responsibilities when accessing or updating records.

The Community Pharmacy IT Group (CP ITG) has provided detailed feedback to NHS England, including:

• Use of existing standards and APIs, such as NHS Direct Care APIs and GP Connect
• Investment in pharmacy IT suppliers to support integration and innovation
• Alignment with NHS Digital Services for Integrated Care (DSIC) to ensure pharmacy is included in national IT planning
• Patient-centred design, with clear access controls, audit trails, and the ability for patients to manage their data

CP ITG also highlighted the need for:

• A coordinated, planned approach to SPR development
• User testing with pharmacy teams
• Clear communications, training, and support for implementation
• Digital inclusion to ensure all patients can benefit

Pharmacy teams can play a key role in shaping and using the SPR:

• Share feedback: Let us know your views on how the SPR could support your work
• Engage with local pilots: Some areas (e.g. Nottingham) are already using tools like Patient Knows Best to share records
• Stay informed: We’ll keep you updated as the SPR develops
• Advocate for access: Encourage local and national decision-makers to include pharmacy in SPR planning

The SPR has the potential to help transform care by:

• Improving safety: With a full view of medicines, allergies, and conditions
• Reducing duplication: Less need to repeat information or chase other providers
• Empowering patients: With access to their own records and care plans
• Supporting prevention: By enabling earlier interventions and personalised care
• Enabling innovation: Through better data for research, AI, and service planning

Community Pharmacy England will continue to work with NHS England and the SPR team to ensure that pharmacy voices are heard. Contact da@cpe.org.uk if you would wish to share feedback about pharmacy access to records.