PATIENTS at several GP surgeries in Dorset will be sent letters about their health records.

Dorset Primary Care Trust is introducing a new system called the NHS summary care record which will allow NHS doctors and nurses to view vital health information.

Six sites are in the fifth wave of GP practices to take part and they include Milton Abbas, Gillingham, Newland in Sherborne, Cranborne, Swanage and Wool.

Patients from these practices are due to be informed by letter next week and they will also be provided with a leaflet telling them about the choices they have and where to get more information if they need it.

The new system allows authorised practitioners to share patient information electronically. Key information such as allergies, current prescriptions and previous adverse reactions to medicines will be available to those treating patients in need of urgent care, in a range of locations.

Patients registered with the named practices will have 16 weeks to make a decision about their own record from the time they receive their letters next week. Unless a patient dissents, these GP practices will automatically create summary care records. Patients who are happy with the process do not need to take any action after receiving the letter.

Dorset has been chosen as an early adopter site for the national project and the first practice due to go "live" is Sturminster Newton in mid-June. Patients there were consulted last autumn.

Under the new system, key health information will be identified in a summary care record on a secure NHS network. Staff will be permitted to access information only if they are involved in the patient's treatment.