A pilot scheme that allows patients in Scotland to access their medical records online was launched on Wednesday (7 April 2010).
The Patient Portal project was unveiled at an Ayrshire surgery by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon (pictured). It could be introduced across Scotland should it prove to be a success.
Patients are able to access their records from the home or office under the pilot, cutting down on the need for frequent surgery visits. The secure website allows them to access their records, view test results, book appointments and track their blood pressure.
Townhead Surgery in Irvine and Kilwinning Medical Practice are taking part in the six-month trial.
Ms Sturgeon said: “We want to use technology wherever we can to make our healthcare more efficient and more secure – what’s known as eHealth. By building on the systems we already have, we also make the best use of taxpayers’ money.”
Dr Jim Campbell, from Townhead Surgery, said: “The development of the online Patient Portal has given us a wonderful opportunity to work closely with groups of patients to identify how they can take more control of their health.”
Copyright © Press Association 2010
