BlogWhat health records do I need for medical cannabis?
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 inUK medical cannabis.
In today's write-up, we'll discuss the health records we need to access, so ourworld-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 theirSummary 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.
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.
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.
The last thing that any of us want when travelling is extra stress. Everyone should have the freedom to feel safe and secure when travelling, no matter what their medical needs may be. Unfortunately, though, this isn't always seamless for medical cannabis patients.
The 6th of February is the UK’s annual Time to Talk Day, an awareness event that aims to kickstart conversations around mental health. In honour of this important date, we’re discussing the importance of awareness of the mental health struggles commonly encountered during menopause. Personalised care is crucial in effectively managing menopause symptoms and achieving adequate relief - and medical cannabis could play a surprising role.
Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, led Thursday’s Westminster Hall debate, highlighting critical issues in the medical cannabis industry, with the most apparent being the masses of patients that could benefit from these treatments, yet struggle to access them.
Lucy MacKinnon
Cookies help provide you with the best experience
We use cookies to enhance and customise content, analyse website performance and tailor advertising. To agree to our use of cookies, click "Accept cookies". To find out more and manage your cookie preferences click "Edit cookies".