LETTERS and leaflets are being sent to people in Bexley telling them they can opt out of a scheme which will make their key medical information available on-line.

The summary care records (SCR) scheme is being rolled out across the borough as part of a London-wide public information programme.

It will mean wherever in the country someone falls ill, those treating them will be able to access their vital medical information.

The system has already been trialled in other parts of the country.

Bexley Care Trust says the scheme has already shown improvements in out-of-hours care where doctors often have to rely on information from patients which can be incomplete or inaccurate.

Other information can be added to the records such as a patient’s wishes about end-of-life care.

Ruth Carnall, NHS London chief executive said: “Getting hold of health records for London’s highly mobile population often presents real challenges to doctors and nurses when patients need out-of-hours and emergency care.

“The summary care record has demonstrated clear benefits elsewhere in the country and NHS London is keen to bring these to the capital.”