Scotland's move to create digital patient care record hailed

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) in Scotland has welcomed the decision of the Scottish Parliament to create an integrated digital patient care record.

The move came during a debate on the Care Reform (Scotland) Bill on Tuesday (10), when Jackie Baillie tabled an amendment to ensure that every person who receives health care or a social service in Scotland has a digital care record.

The amendment said this record must be enabled for "secure and efficient sharing of data between health care and social services so that people’s experiences are as safe and seamless as possible.

"It would also allow people to access their own health and care information, in a format accessible to them."

Another member Brian Whittle also tabled an amendment to ensure that this record can be integrated between different systems.

Both amendments were voted through as part of the Care Reform (Scotland) Bill.

RPS said it had made this objective a key point of its vision for pharmacy’s future, and has consistently raised the demand among the MSPs.

The society said this legislation creates the conditions for community pharmacies to have access to patient records, and it will work with the government to ensure that this becomes a reality.

RPS director for Scotland Laura Wilson welcomed the legislation and said it will help improve patient care, experience and safety.

"This will become even more important in 2026 when all pharmacists qualify as prescribers."

Brian Whittle, who brought one the amendments, expressed happiness regarding the passage of amendment and thanked RPS for support.

He said this will ensure patient safety and improve the working conditions of healthcare professionals.