How does an electronic exchange system work?

An electronic exchange system allows care providers to view medical data that other care providers have about you. This is only allowed if they are treating you and if you have given consent.

For example, if you authorise your GP to share your data, they will ensure that other care providers can view your medical data. For example, if you visit an out-of-hours GP service at night, the out-of-hours GP service can view the data your GP has about you, but only if it is necessary for your treatment.

An electronic exchange system does not store medical data; it facilitates the transfer of data between the care providers treating you.

If you would like to know exactly what the law says about an electronic exchange system, you can read it for yourself in the legal text.