Full blog here: healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2025-05-0…

Thanks to supporting quotes in media from @jacoblant.bsky.social @nationalvoices.bsky.social @rachel-p.bsky.social @patientsassoc.bsky.social @royalcollegeofgps.bsky.social @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social

Two causes:
1) Human error. Inevitable, esp given pressure on staff. We’d like to see providers following best practice record-keeping guidance & quicker routes to resolution for patients
2) Records transferring between systems. New single patient record will be welcome

The impact of this is of course frustration and having to repeatedly update clinicians on medical history. But this a patient safety risk - we heard from those who had been given incorrect medication or have not been invited for the tests they need

One person told us their record erroneously said they’d had two full hysterectomies and one partial one. And that they’d had 5 flu jabs in the space of 4 days when they’d never even had one.

Among those reporting inaccurate info:
- 29% had important details from medical history/conditions missing
- 26% had incorrect personal information
- 9% had conditions they’d never had (same % for treatments they’d never had)

It will be key that patients have a genuine choice on communications in future. As @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social says, “This agreement will help ensure patients get their appointment information when they need it, however they choose to receive it.”

The new barcode is a great result for patients & a key protection on crucial NHS communications as Royal Mail looks to a new service offer. Thanks to Royal Mail, @nhsengland.bsky.social, @nhsproviders.bsky.social, @nationalvoices.bsky.social & @patientsassoc.bsky.social who we worked with on this 3/

Despite the desired analog to digital shift, letters remain crucial to patients – particularly the 8.5m who lack basic digital skills. Yet our recent work on admin with @thekingsfund.bsky.social & @nationalvoices.bsky.social showed 1 in 5 have experienced app’t letter delays in the past year 2/

Love that!

Full report and recommendations here www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-...

Full report here nds.healthwatch.co.uk/reports-libr...

Likewise Rob!