Manx Care: 'We share coroner's concerns over sharing of medical records'

Manx Care says it accepts there is a ‘significant risk’ to patient safety because of difficulties sharing medical records across the health body.

It's been asked to take action by the coroner of inquests and change the way they can be shared between what he’s described as ‘silos’.

Coroner James Brooks’ recommendation follows the death of a Ramsey resident last year who unintentionally overdosed on prescription medication.

At the inquest into the man’s death, in May this year, a verdict of misadventure was recorded.

Whilst provision of medical care was found to be adequate Coroner Brooks said there was ‘clearly difficulties’ with the prescribing of medication to him over several years.

Evidence given at the inquest showed it was ‘very obvious’ that there was a ‘complete inability for hospital doctors to have access to medical records held elsewhere than within the hospital’.

Coroners have the power to report to a person, or body, when they believe they may be able to prevent a future similar death.

Coroner Brooks wrote to Manx Care saying: “There appears to be a problem and it appears that Manx Care in this case could take action to resolve that problem.” 

You can find out more HERE.

The health body has now responded to the coroner’s report.

Chief Executive of Manx Care Teresa Cope told Manx Radio the lack of a single medical record presents a ‘significant’ risk and the concern is shared by medical professionals.

But she says a solution is currently being developed: