Understand
Watchdog and critics raise concerns over reliability of NHS medical records in Scotland
Overview
Concerns have been raised by the public services watchdog and critics regarding the reliability and accuracy of NHS medical records systems in Scotland. Issues regarding missing information and gaps in records have emerged during high-profile inquiries, including the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, a public inquiry into disgraced surgeon Sam Eljamel, and fatal accident inquiries.
Key points
- The public services watchdog and critics have raised concerns about the reliability of NHS medical records systems in Scotland.
- Victims of disgraced brain surgeon Sam Eljamel reported significant gaps and inaccuracies in their medical records.
- Concerns regarding missing records and how information is recorded have been highlighted during the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.
- The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman recently criticised NHS Lothian over incomplete nursing records during a patient safety review.
- An ongoing fatal accident inquiry into the death of a baby highlighted issues with independent health boards operating computer systems that do not share information effectively.
- The Scottish government stated that it takes the concerns seriously and is engaging with health boards to improve record reliability.