Ambulance service pilots live GP record access for crews at scene

South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) clinicians are among the first in the country to access key parts of patients’ GP records while attending calls, thanks to the national GP Connect service.

Paramedics working from SECAmb’s Paddock Wood base in Kent can view essential patient information directly within their electronic patient care record (ePCR). This live access gives crews a fuller picture of a patient’s clinical history, helping them make faster, more informed decisions on scene.

Since the pilot began in June, ambulance crews have used the system over 2,500 times, especially when responding to falls and chest pain incidents. Initially planned for eight weeks, the trial has been extended due to its success, with potential for a wider rollout.

The pilot will help SECAmb assess how real-time GP data supports clinical decision-making, reduces manual data entry, and cuts avoidable hospital transports. It also examines how the system integrates with current Trust technology and control room operations.

“Access to patients’ GP records is allowing our crews to make more informed choices when navigating care for patients.

“Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive in that it is making ambulance clinicians interactions more streamlined, and safer. This is a positive move for patients and the wider healthcare and promotes safety and ensures patients are seen in the right place, first time.”

Sean Edwards, Practice Development Lead, SECAmb.

SECAmb plans to use findings from the pilot to shape a future model fully integrated with the National Care Record System, providing a seamless single access point for ambulance teams.

---

To read similar articles, check out our Frontline channel.