A single patient record has the potential to transform the way health and social care work together in the UK. It represents an opportunity to break down silos, empower people to take charge of their care, and deliver a system that truly puts individuals at its heart. Beyond the essential purposes of care, it is a crucial information resource of planning services, informing population health needs and research to improve treatment and prevention. Done right, it will mean faster, safer, and more joined-up care for everyone, no matter where they live or how complex their needs.

But success is not guaranteed. As the Government prepares its 10-year plan, the PRSB – drawing on years of collaboration with clinicians, patients, and care providers – believes there are three critical pillars to delivering this vision: public trust, system stability, and staff advocacy. Together, they form the foundation for a resilient, inclusive system that will transform care.

Public trust

A single patient record isn’t just a technical tool – it’s a bridge of trust between the public and the health and care system. For people to embrace it, they need to feel it’s built for them and works in their best interests. That starts with empowering individuals: giving them access to their own records and the ability to contribute their voice. By embedding PRSB standards like ‘About Me’, the Shared Decision-Making Standard, and the Personalised Care and Support Plan Standard, we can ensure that individuals – especially those from vulnerable groups – are heard, understood, and treated as partners in their own care.

Imagine a person living with a chronic condition, like diabetes or asthma. A single patient record means they can share their preferences, track their progress, and work more effectively with their care team to make decisions that work for their life, not just their diagnosis. This kind of personalised, collaborative approach builds confidence, enhances self-care, and leads to better outcomes.

But public trust is about more than functionality – it’s about inclusivity and transparency. For the record to succeed, patients, carers, and professionals need to help shape it from the very start. This means listening to a diverse range of voices, ensuring the system reflects real experiences rather than just clinical priorities. It also means communicating openly: sharing the benefits of a single patient record in plain, accessible language and being honest about how data will be used and safeguarded.

We must not leave anyone behind. Addressing digital exclusion by supporting those who lack access, skills, or confidence to use digital tools is essential. By integrating everyday technologies – such as wearables or smart home devices – and designing a system that’s simple, intuitive, and user-friendly, we can help everyone feel included and connected. Public trust isn’t a given; it’s earned. And earning it must be our starting point.

System stability

A single patient record will only succeed if it builds on what already works. This isn’t about ripping up the past and starting over – it’s about building on the progress we’ve made together. Over the last decade, significant investments have been made in shared care records, and PRSB’s Core Information Standard (CIS) has already laid the groundwork. CIS is currently the foundation for shared care records across all 42 Integrated Care Systems in England. It’s been shaped by patients, clinicians, and care providers, and it provides a clear, practical starting point for thinking about what information is needed to deliver safer, better care.

Stability also means interoperability – the ability of systems to talk to one another. Leveraging international standards such as the International Patient Summary and SNOMED CT is key to making this work. These aren’t just technical frameworks; they are the glue that ensures patient information flows seamlessly across organisations, preventing duplication and improving data quality.

Let’s not forget value for money. Every pound spent on the single patient record must count. Procurement and regulatory frameworks must reward providers and suppliers that align with national standards, ensuring that systems work together without creating unnecessary costs or barriers. Stability isn’t just about the technology – it’s about building a foundation that’s strong enough to evolve and endure.

Staff advocacy

The success of a single patient record ultimately hinges on the people who will use it every day: health and social care professionals. Their advocacy isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. If the system doesn’t work for them, it won’t work for patients.

That’s why it’s so important to design the single patient record with staff, not for them. Co-production – bringing together clinicians, care providers, and patients to design the system – is the only way to ensure it’s practical, intuitive, and addresses real-world challenges. Comprehensive training will also be critical. Staff need to feel confident in using the system, and their concerns about data sharing or liability must be heard and addressed.

A single patient record is especially powerful when it bridges the divide between health and social care. It can give care teams a fuller picture of an individual’s life – their priorities, their challenges, and their goals. This kind of holistic, person-centred care is particularly vital during major transitions, such as moving from child to adult services. By ensuring continuity, we can reduce stress and deliver better outcomes.

However, there’s a harsh reality: social care organisations are advancing rapidly but have historically been less digitally mature than the NHS but it is vital that we ensure we are inclusive of the needs of social care – without this we will not deliver truly person-centred care or tackle problems with delays and inefficient care. Only by strengthening the partnership between health and social care can we unlock the true potential of a single patient record.

A call to action

A single patient record isn’t just about technology. It’s about transformation. It’s about breaking down barriers, fostering trust, and empowering people and professionals alike. To get this right, we need investment in infrastructure, workforce training, and governance – not just in shiny new systems but in the people and processes that will make them work.

We also need to tackle foundational issues, like poor connectivity and outdated technology in underserved areas, to ensure no one is left behind. Clear incentives and long-term planning will be essential to aligning providers and suppliers with national standards.

Crucially, we need collaboration across the UK’s four nations. Health and social care increasingly operate across borders, and we cannot allow misaligned systems to jeopardise quality or safety. Governance frameworks must foster cooperation, respecting regional differences while pursuing shared goals. An independent oversight body, representing all four nations, will be key to ensuring consistency and accountability.

The PRSB’s expertise – built through years of collaboration with clinicians, patients, and care providers – places us in a unique position to guide this transformation. By focusing on public trust, system stability, and staff advocacy, we can create a system that empowers individuals, supports professionals, and transforms care for the better.

This is a moment of profound opportunity, as much about people as it is about technology. Together, we can deliver a single patient record that isn’t just a tool, but a catalyst for a healthier, more connected future for us all.