Birmingham and Solihull Shared Care Record Privacy Notice

Ever wondered why, when you see a social worker, they cannot see all your health and care information? And why you find yourself having to answer the same old questions over and over?

Well, the simple answer is they all use different computer systems to record your details. And because these systems aren't connected, the health and care organisations looking after you cannot share your information with each other.

But that's changing with the introduction of something called the Birmingham and Solihull Shared Care Record or ShCR.

Our experience of working with COVID-19 has shown how important it is for the health and care professionals caring for a person to be able to see their information without delay.

ShCR will make a joined-up approach to health and care much more possible.

Watch the 'Introduction to the Birmingham and Solihull Shared Care Record' video on YouTube

Watch the 'Animation explaining the Shared Care Record' video on YouTube

Watch the 'The Shared Care Record and your care' video on YouTube

What is the Shared Care Record (ShCR)?

The Shared Care Record is an electronic record of a person's care.

The difference between this and what already exists is that it will bring together all your separate records into a structured, easy-to-read format.

This will give those professionals directly involved in your care a more complete view of the care and treatment you've had across all services.

We know you only want to tell your story and share information once when receiving care from any health or social care organisation across Birmingham and Solihull.

That's why we've developed the ShCR.

Who will be able to look at my information – and what will they see?

The first phase of the Shared Care Record will allow health and care professionals directly involved in your care to view:

• your GP practice medical record.
• basic hospital care and mental health information.

Being able to see this information will help them give you the best care as quickly as possible without having to make phone calls or wait for other organisations to forward details on.

We are carrying on developing the ShCR, allowing professionals across more health and social care settings to see information when they need it to support people's care.

You can rest assured we’ll only allow your records to be seen by health and social care professionals directly involved in your care.

There are strict rules around how we use your information.

As part of this work, we’ll make sure it’s managed and shared appropriately and in line with all legal requirements, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Official inspections, or audits, will check this is the case.

How does having my records shared benefit me?

The benefits to you include:

• not having to repeat your details every time you need care.
• better and, potentially, faster treatment as the professionals caring for you will be able to quickly see your records.
• clinicians will be able to see what medications you're taking, what you've taken in the past, and if you have any allergies, making your treatment safer.
• more effective treatment should you need care for COVID-19, thanks to the fast availability of accurate information about any pre-existing conditions you might have and your medications.

Can I say no to this?

You can agree or disagree to share your information anytime — the decision is yours.

However, we do not recommend this as information that could be vital when you need health or social care support might not be immediately available.

If you still wish to not share your information, you can read our privacy notice to find out how you can ask for this.

Be reassured that we take the security of your information very seriously.

Only those directly involved in your care at any moment can look at your records to make the right decisions to ensure you receive the best care possible.

You can learn more about the Shared Care Record on the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System (ICS) website.

You can also exercise your right to object on the Birmingham and Solihull ICS website.

Privacy notice and information

Birmingham Children’s Trust works with other health and social care organisations to share information that will form part of your Shared Care Record.

The Shared Care Record allows health and care professionals involved in your care to view your records. By viewing your records, professionals can understand your needs and make the best decisions with and for you.

Information we hold about you will be available to read only, to other health and care professionals when they are involved in your health or social care and are based in one of the following areas:

• Birmingham and Solihull
• Coventry and Warwickshire
• Herefordshire and Worcestershire

This information sharing is subject to strict rules and safeguards about who sees your information and how it will be used.

If you do not want us to share your information in this way, you can exercise your right to object.

Be aware that this means none of your information can be shared with anyone. Before making this choice, speak with your allocated worker, who will explain how this may affect you.

We will respect your choice, unless there are other safeguarding or legal reasons why we may have to share your information.

For more information on how your data is used on the Shared Care Record and how to exercise your rights, see the full privacy notice on the Birmingham and Solihull Shared Care website.

You can record your objection through the Birmingham and Solihull Shared Care website.

Also, you can change your mind anytime, through the same process.

Read the Birmingham Children’s Trust privacy notice for more information about your rights.

You can also find out how to exercise your rights and how your data is used on the Shared Care Record.