Getting your Summary of Care Record.

Summary of Care in the UK – What You Need to Know

What is a Summary of Care?

A Summary of Care is a concise electronic snapshot of your key health information, such as current medications, allergies, and any adverse reactions to treatments which our clinicians will require for us to treat you.

This information is securely shared with healthcare professionals to support safe, informed care – which is especially important when you are trying a new medication for the first time.

How to Get a Summary of Care?

If you’re wondering how to get a Summary of Care, there are three main routes, but the first option is by far the simplest, quickest and best of all free:

1. Request Your Summary of Care from Your GP Surgery

You can also ask your GP directly for a copy of your Summary Care Record. Here’s how:

• Contact your GP surgery by phone or through their website
• Request access to your health records
• Provide ID if needed
• They may offer access via an online portal or provide a printed copy

This method can be relatively fast or take weeks depending on your surgery and how busy they are.

2. SCR via Lyphe Clinic.

We are very happy to request your summary of care, however, we will charge a £20 admin fee for the service, and we find that often, GP surgeries respond better to patient led requests.

What is the Summary of Care Act 2014?

The Care Act 2014 is a key piece of UK legislation that reshaped adult social care. One of its central principles is “wellbeing”, which includes giving individuals more control over their care and supporting integrated services. While the Act doesn’t create the Summary Care Record directly, it reinforces the importance of person-centred, coordinated care, which the Summary Care Record helps to deliver.

Related SCR Questions:

1. Can I opt out of a Summary Care Record?

• Yes. You can complete a Summary Care Record opt-out form and return it to your GP practice.

1. Is the Summary of Care the same as full medical records?

• No. A Summary Care Record (SCR) is a limited version containing only essential health information. For full GP records, you must make a separate request.

Useful Links to understand more about Summary of Care Records.

• NHS – View Your GP Health Record
• NHS Digital – Summary Care Records