How new technology is helping health and care staff

New technology means that health and care staff will have the latest information at hand to make the most informed decisions on care and treatment for patients across Tameside and Glossop.

The Greater Manchester Care Record - which has been rolled out in a matter of weeks as part of the region's COVID-19 digital response plan - pulls together vital patient information from across Greater Manchester's health and care organisations.

It ensures that GPs, doctors, nurses and practitioners can see up-to-date medical records, care plans, medications and test results to inform the right care and treatment.

It means that patients won’t have to keep repeating their medical history to each professional, clinicians will be better equipped to identify patterns and care will be planned more effectively to meet patients’ needs.

It builds on the existing borough-based care records that are in place already and will now create a single joined-up care record for all of Greater Manchester. 

In another first for Tameside and Glossop, older people in eight GP practices are also part of a pilot to test new technology to help support their independence and resilience.

The GM Digital Platform from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the NHS in Greater Manchester will allow a patient's detailed care needs to be shared across providers of health and care so they can be better supported to age well. Plans are in place to roll this out across Tameside depending on the outcomes of the pilot.

In response to the pandemic, the GM Care Record also includes information about when a patient has been tested or diagnosed with COVID-19 to ensure continuity of care across different care settings. 

Anonymised data in relation to COVID-19 will also be used for research and planning purposes to gain a greater understanding of COVID-19, how best to tackle it and the type of services that needs to be in place.

NHS Tameside and Glossop Clinical Commissioning Group Co-Chairs, Drs Asad Ali and Ashwin Ramachandra, said: “Having access to the GM Care Records is going to support our clinical professionals with decision making and is essential to treating COVID-19 and other health conditions.

“Local clinical professionals will have access to up to date important information on medications, test results, care plans and social care support ensuring our patients receive the best possible health care.”

Karen James OBE, Chief Executive of Tameside Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust and member of the GM Provider Federation Board, commented: “The GM Care Record will have a direct impact on the quality and precision of care we are able to provide patients, particularly those with complex needs across multiple specialties. Sharing this information has never been more important as it will greatly aid clinical decision making and will reduce the burden on both patients on clinicians, freeing up valuable time to care.”

The project has been overseen by Health Innovation Manchester and the GM Health and Social Care Partnership, working on behalf of GM’s devolved health and care partners. Patients are automatically opted in but can speak to their GP should they wish to consider opting out.

For more information, visit healthinnovationmanchester.com/TheGMCareRecord.