What health records do I need for medical cannabis?
3 min read
Sam North
Welcome back to our 'New Patient' blog series, where we cover all the frequently asked questions, along with treatment tips and product options for new patients interested in UK medical cannabis.
In today's write-up, we'll discuss the health records we need to access, so our world-class clinical team can accurately assess your treatment needs.
Contents
What are health records?
Health records, also known as medical records or health information, are a collection of documents and files that contain important health-related information about your previous and current medical condition/s, treatments, and medications.
In the UK, a patient's main health records are referred to as their Summary of Care Records (SCR) and these are maintained and managed by your GP.
Summary of Care Records (SCR) explained
The SCR is a national system used by healthcare professionals in the UK and contains critical health information, including your:
- Medications - all previous and current prescribed medications
- Allergies - any known allergies you may have
- Medical history - details about past and current health conditions, including surgeries, treatment plans, and any significant medical events
- Immunisations - record of previous and current vaccinations
- Adverse reactions - any known adverse reactions to medications or treatments
Does my SCR cover my entire medical history?
Your SCR is a summary of your primary healthcare records, but it may not include all the details or information from specialist treatments or consultations.
Will Releaf need access to further health records?
In most cases, your SCR will provide the information our clinical team needs to assess whether you may qualify for medical cannabis treatment, but some patients will need to provide further information.
If we find that your SCR is missing any essential information when assessing your case, our clinicians will ask for you to provide supporting evidence. This may include a letter from any specialist you have been seeing or copies of any relevant medical documents.
How does Releaf access my health records?
There are two routes to consider.
With your consent, Releaf can request access to your Summary Care Record (SCR) using your NHS number. This method is usually the quickest and most straightforward.
Alternatively, you can provide us with copies of your health records yourself, which you will need to request either directly from your GP or through the NHS app/website.
Why does Releaf need access to my health records?
It is a legal requirement for healthcare providers to have access to your health records before prescribing any medication, including medical cannabis.
Accessing your medical records is a crucial step in gaining a complete understanding of your overall health. Without access to these documents and records, our clinicians may not be able to provide you with the most suitable treatment plan, or even a medical cannabis prescription at all.
Releaf's number one priority is patient care and safety, and this includes ensuring our clinicians have all the necessary information to make informed decisions about your treatment plan.
To get the ball rolling, head to our medical cannabis eligibility checker. It's fast, free, 100% confidential, and will display your results instantly. To learn more, check out the Releaf blog and education hub.
Share article
Did you like this article?
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
Elevate your wellness with medical cannabis
Get comprehensive care, convenience, and confidence with an all-in-one treatment plan.
Am I eligible?Authors
Sam North, a seasoned writer with over five years' experience and expertise in medicinal cannabis, brings clarity to complex concepts, focusing on education and informed use.
Editorial Policy
All of our articles are written by medical cannabis experts, guided by strict sourcing guidelines, and reference peer-reviewed studies and credible academic research. Our expert clinical team and compliance specialists provide valuable insights to ensure accuracy when required. Learn more in our editorial policy.
Need more help?
Further reading
What to expect in your first six months as a UK medical cannabis patient
The first six months of any new treatment regime come with a mix of queries, adjustments, milestones, and sometimes, a couple of small roadblocks. But for most patients just starting down the path towards better health with UK medical cannabis (where the treatment option has been so heavily stigmatised for far too long) the learning curve can feel a bit steeper. We’ll cover it all to make sure you feel comfortable and confident during your first few months as a Releaf medical cannabis patient.
Sam North
Accelerate Action: Medical cannabis for women's health
This Saturday the world will once again observe International Women’s Day, an annual celebration of the achievements of women and girls around the world. But while we might have come a long way in improving equality, women continue to face disparities in many areas of life, including healthcare.
Emily Ledger
Inspirational stories for International Women's Day: Taking back control with medical cannabis
On Saturday the 8th of March, International Women’s Day is celebrated. Dedicated to recognising the achievements, resilience, and strength of women around the world, International Women’s Day is something we’re proud to take part in here at Releaf. This year, we’ve decided to celebrate by sharing five inspirational stories from women in the UK accessing medical cannabis through our services.
Lucy MacKinnon