Can pharmacists see your medical notes?

[Yorshiregass32]

For example, could the chief pharmacist in Boots access my GP medical notes?

No

No. How exactly do you think they could?

I wondered if they had access to the prescription via the GPs noyes, I've no idea how it all works.

They can see any information that’s held on your summary care record

Yes, they can see medications you’ve been prescribed.

But they should ask permission before they access your summary care record

I have wondered this also because however many years ago we were asked to agree (or to not opt out) of our medical records being shared digitally.

So they can see your prescriptions but not your medical notes?

If you get regular prescriptions fulfilled by them they can see them but not your medical records. Unless you have a Patient Group Directive which they could also see for patients signed up with them (these are not your full medical records - purely focused on medicines).

digital.nhs.uk/services/summary-care-records-scr

This link should explain. Additional information can be included such as long term conditions. But there would not be, for example, details of a consultation you had with your GP.

I’m a pharmacist, no we can’t, we can only see what you’ve been dispensed at that particular pharmacy. We can access your summary care records, with your permission, say if you was new to town and needed an emergency supply. But we only do that now and again, if we need to and they’re not your full medical records. It does mean the pharmacist has to do a lot of guesswork, to know whether a medicine is suitable!

Are you worried about the pharmacist in Boots seeing something private in your records?

Well, obviously they can see your prescription. How else are they meant to dispense it to you?
They get your prescription, they dispense your prescription. That's their job. Obviously they have your prescription.

Do you need a prescription for some new glasses 😁

I can't believe that pharmacists would somehow be able to access every GPs surgeries notes, how would that even work?

Thanks for link, really helpful.

Thankyou.

Yes, someone I know who is a known gossip has completed their pharmacy technician training (so not a pharmacist but still responsible for prescriptions). I use the pharmacy she now works at. Its no big deal for me to switch to a different one but I just wanted to make sure she couldn't see my medical records.

Yes I know that. That's not what I'm asking.

Ah OK. Well, they would need your permission to see your Summary Care Record. But obviously they will be able to see what medications you take so they may have a pretty good idea of your medical conditions (assuming they know what the medications do). It would be highly unprofessional for them to gossip about you. As a registered Pharm Tech they can’t just go and gossip about customers, so you don’t need to worry. However, if it makes you feel uncomfortable then I’d switch Pharmacy.

😂

Stupid phone....

What I was trying to write was that would involve the NHS having a joined up electronic record system which it doesn't. Much to the detriment of much patient care.

The thing is, if you know your stuff (or can ask or look up) , you can work out a lot about someone by the medication they take. Obvious ones are anti depressants, anything for any embarrassing conditions etc. but they won't know the background. I'd change if I were you. While I would expect someone to be professional, they can't un-know something. I'd change if you are worried.