At GP Pathfinder Clinics, we are proud to be working directly with NHS England to help shape the future of healthcare in the UK. One of the most exciting developments in the NHS 10-Year Health Plan is the Single Patient Record (SPR) — a change that will make a real, positive difference to your care.
Here is what it means for you.
Currently, your health information is held separately by your GP, your hospital, and community care services. This means you often have to repeat your full medical history at every appointment. The Single Patient Record connects all of these systems, so every healthcare professional treating you will have the right information, right when they need it — without you having to explain everything again.
When a doctor has a complete picture of your health — including recent test results, medications, and hospital visits — they can make safer and faster decisions. This is especially important in emergencies or when you are seen by a doctor who has not met you before. The SPR means no vital information gets missed.
The SPR is designed to put you in the driving seat. Through the NHS App, you will be able to:
If you are living with a long-term condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or frailty, the SPR will make a significant difference. All parts of the NHS involved in your care will be able to see the same up-to-date record. This means early warning signs are spotted sooner, care plans are shared across teams, and you are less likely to fall through the gaps between services.
The SPR is being built to work for everyone — including people who are less confident with technology, those who speak English as a second language, and those with complex health needs. The NHS is committed to making sure no one is left behind as this change rolls out.
The Single Patient Record is being introduced in stages, starting with the areas where joined-up care makes the biggest immediate difference.
| Stage | Focus Area | What This Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| Wave 1 | Maternity & Frailty | Pregnant women and older patients with complex needs will be the first to benefit from a fully joined-up record. |
| Wave 2 | Cancer, Medicines & Diagnostics | Test results, prescriptions, and cancer care pathways will all be connected into one record. |
| Wave 3 | Whole NHS & Social Care | Every part of the NHS — including mental health, community care, and social care — will be connected. |
In June 2026, we welcomed the NHS England Single Patient Record team to our headquarters. Together with our Patient Participation Group (PPG), we shared our patients’ views directly with the programme team — ensuring that your voice is heard as this new system is designed.
We made clear that the SPR must be built on trust, transparency, and inclusion. Patients must always know who can see their information, and the system must work for everyone — not just those who are digitally confident.
We will continue to be involved in the design and delivery of the SPR, and we will keep you updated as this exciting change develops.