Community pharmacies to join the Dorset Care Record

Up to 150 community pharmacies across the county are to be given access to health and social care records held within the Dorset Care Record (DCR)

This will give them up to date records in a transparent and easy to understand way – particularly important in this current time.

Pharmacies are the first sector outside the acute and community hospital and social care settings to be given access to the DCR and the move has been fast-tracked due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Peter Gill, DCR Senior Responsible Officer, said the move would help reduce risks and improve efficiencies both in the community and acute hospital settings.

“We are also introducing discharge medications into the Dorset Care Record from Dorset County Hospital and this will be particularly beneficial for community pharmacies,” he said.

The pharmacy sector has welcomed the move. A pilot was carried out earlier this month at Victoria Park pharmacy in Dorchester. Owner Robin Mitchell said: “Access to the DCR provides community pharmacists with detailed information that complements other sources such as Summary Care Records and will be very relevant to situations such as hospital discharge or minor illness consultations. A welcome resource.”

Amanda Moores, Dorset Local Pharmaceutical Committee Chief Officer, added: “We are very pleased that community pharmacies will have access to the Dorset Care Record. This supports their integration in the local health and social care system. Community pharmacies play a key role in supporting patients to make the most of their medicines and manage long term conditions. The DCR supports patient care by providing pharmacies with access to up to date information, which is crucial, especially in these challenging times.”

And Katharine Gough, Dorset CCG Chief Pharmacist and Head of Medicines Management, added: “Pharmacists working in community pharmacies have an important role to play in ensuring there is safe use of medicines, particularly after discharge from hospital. Access to the Dorset Care Record will enable the to quickly check if medicines have changed or stopped and help prevent errors.”

Notes to Editors

The DCR, which is bringing together electronically health and social care records, is a partnership supported by NHS Dorset CCG, Dorset County Hospital, Poole Hospital, the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals, Dorset HealthCare, Dorset Council, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council and the South Western Ambulance Service Trust. Further information is available at https://news.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/dorset-care-record/

For media inquiries about the DCR please contact Tony McDougal, DCR Communications Manager – Tel: 01305 224831 or email tony.mcdougal@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

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