NHS to go paperless by 2018

All medical records will be stored on computers and will be shared between care homes, hospitals, GPs, and councils.

15:54 21 January 2013

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has confirmed plans of making NHS “paperless”by 2018.

This means that all medical records including test results and prescriptions, will be stored on computers and will be shared between care homes, hospitals, GPs, and councils to improve communication between the organizations.

This plan is expected to save NHS billions of pounds per year and hundreds of lives across UK.

This will empower paramedics to easily check the files of a patient if he is allergic to any drugs or has a heart condition, for example, before giving treatment.

Although the “access-for-all” raises fears among concerned parties, the secretary said that this change is vital for patients’ safety.

Mr Jeremy Hunt also assured the public who has concerned over confidential information being illegally accessed that they can opt out at any time.