South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) has helped shape the development of the NHS Single Patient Record by testing its prototype during realistic clinical simulations.
The SCAS team welcomed colleagues from NHS England’s Single Patient Record (SPR) programme to the Newbury Education Centre on 8 October for a unique opportunity to test the digital record in an ambulance care setting.
The SPR aims to bring patient information together in one secure, accessible digital record, helping healthcare professionals make safer, faster and better-informed decisions.
Working with the SCAS Simulation Team, clinicians tested the prototype while managing simulated urgent and emergency care scenarios. The exercises allowed the NHS England team to observe how ambulance staff would use patient information in real-life situations and identify where the record could best support clinical decision-making.
Key findings highlighted the importance of making relevant information easy to access at the right moment, providing clear recommendations alongside supporting clinical detail, and ensuring staff can trust the accuracy and currency of patient records. Reliable access, connectivity and integration with existing systems were also identified as essential.
The session was part of the programme’s ongoing test and learn phase, with further testing needed to explore the record’s potential across different clinical scenarios and care pathways.
SCAS has been actively contributing to the national programme through its representation on the SPR Clinical Advisory Group, helping ensure the needs of pre-hospital care are considered as the record develops.
SCAS Board members also attended to learn more about the programme and observe one of the simulations.
The event was made possible through collaboration across SCAS, with particular thanks to the Education and Simulation teams, the clinicians who led and supported the scenarios, and colleagues across the Trust who helped deliver the day.