Single Patient Record (SPR) — Digital Transformation in NHS 2028
„What is the Single Patient Record and how will it transform NHS care?" That's a question many NHS leaders, clinicians, and patients are asking as the Health Bill progresses through Parliament.
In this guide, we'll explain what the Single Patient Record (SPR) is, how the Health Bill will transform patient records, and what it means for accessibility and disabled patients.
📌 Quick Answer — Single Patient Record (SPR)
The Single Patient Record (SPR) is a proposed digital transformation that will create a unified patient record accessible via the NHS App by 2028. The Health Bill proposes this as a legal requirement. The SPR aims to give patients full access to their health records, but raises important accessibility considerations for disabled patients who are more likely to be digitally excluded.
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Free UK HHS Checker →What is the Single Patient Record (SPR)?
The Single Patient Record (SPR) is a proposed digital transformation that will create a unified digital patient record accessible to patients via the NHS App.
The SPR is part of the Health Bill currently progressing through Parliament. The Bill proposes making it a legal requirement for NHS organisations to provide patients with full access to their health records.
The SPR will combine information from different NHS systems into a single, comprehensive record that patients can view, manage, and share.
📊 Single Patient Record — Key Facts
- Proposed by: Health Bill
- Implementation target: 2028
- Access via: NHS App
- Key goal: Unified patient record across NHS
- Legal basis: Proposed Health Bill
- Accessibility concern: 15% of disabled people have never used the internet
What does the Health Bill propose?
The Health Bill includes several important provisions for patient records:
1. Legal right to access records
Patients would have a legal right to access their health records electronically. This would be the first time this right is explicitly stated in law.
2. Single Patient Record
NHS organisations would be legally required to provide a single, unified record that combines information from different systems.
3. NHS App integration
The SPR would be accessible through the NHS App, which is being developed as the world-leading tool for patient access.
4. Patient data sharing
The Bill proposes easier sharing of patient data between NHS organisations, with patient consent.
What will the SPR include?
The Single Patient Record will include:
- Medical history — past conditions, treatments, surgeries
- Test results — blood tests, scans, pathology
- Medications — current and past prescriptions
- Allergies — known allergies and adverse reactions
- Immunisations — vaccination history
- Appointments — past and upcoming appointments
- Correspondence — letters, referrals, discharge summaries
- Care plans — personalised care and treatment plans
⚠️ Important — Accessibility considerations for SPR
People with disabilities are more likely to be digitally excluded. 15% of disabled people have never used the internet, compared to 3% of non-disabled people.
The SPR must be accessible to all patients, including those who cannot or do not use digital services. The Government has confirmed that non-digital solutions must be available.
Digital exclusion and accessibility
The SPR raises important accessibility and digital inclusion challenges:
1. Digital exclusion
Not all patients can access digital services. People with disabilities are disproportionately affected by digital exclusion:
- 15% of disabled people have never used the internet
- 3% of non-disabled people have never used the internet
- Older adults and people with cognitive disabilities face additional barriers
2. Legal obligations
The Equality Act 2010 requires healthcare providers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled patients. This includes providing non-digital alternatives to digital services.
3. Government commitment
The Government has confirmed that non-digital solutions must be available for patients who cannot or do not wish to engage digitally. All NHS organisations are legally obliged not to discriminate.
4. Accessibility standards
The NHS App must meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility standards. Accessibility audit evidence is required for NHS App integration.
How will the SPR improve patient care?
The SPR aims to improve patient care in several ways:
1. Better patient experience
Patients will have full access to their records, enabling them to:
- Track their health and treatments
- Prepare for appointments
- Share information with other healthcare providers
- Understand their health conditions
2. Improved care coordination
Healthcare providers will have access to complete patient records, enabling:
- Better clinical decisions — based on complete information
- Reduced duplication — fewer unnecessary tests and procedures
- Faster diagnosis — quicker access to medical history
- Safer care — fewer medication errors and adverse events
3. Patient empowerment
Patients will be empowered to manage their own health:
- Self-management — patients can monitor their own health
- Informed decisions — patients can make decisions with complete information
- Shared decision-making — patients can participate fully in their care
What do NHS organisations need to do?
Step 1: Prepare for SPR implementation
Start planning for SPR implementation by reviewing your current systems and identifying what needs to change.
Step 2: Ensure digital accessibility
Ensure your digital services meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility standards. Use the free UK HHS checker to test.
Step 3: Provide non-digital alternatives
Ensure non-digital alternatives are available for patients who cannot or do not use digital services.
Step 4: Train your staff
Train staff on the new system and accessibility requirements.
Step 5: Communicate with patients
Communicate with patients about changes to their records and how to access them.
Frequently Asked Questions — Single Patient Record
The Single Patient Record (SPR) is a proposed digital transformation that will create a unified patient record accessible via the NHS App by 2028. It is part of the Health Bill.
The SPR is expected to be implemented by 2028, subject to the Health Bill passing through Parliament.
The Government has confirmed that non-digital solutions must be available for patients who cannot or do not wish to engage digitally. All NHS organisations are legally obliged not to discriminate.
The NHS App must meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility standards. Accessibility audit evidence is required for NHS App integration.
NHS organisations should prepare for SPR implementation, ensure digital accessibility, provide non-digital alternatives, and train staff.
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