What is the MECR?
If you are taken ill suddenly, or are unconscious, it will help those trying to help you if certain information is available to them quickly. For this reason, and unless you decide to opt out, all patients in the Isle of Man who are registered with an Isle of Man GP have an electronic record called a "Manx Emergency Care Record" (MECR).
What will it say about me?
- Your name, date of birth and address
- Your GP name and Practice details
- Your National Health Service number (NHS number)
- Information about any prescribed medicines
- Any significant or adverse reactions you've had to medicines and any allergies or sensitivities that are known about you
Who will be able to view it?
Authorised staff involved in your care can look at your MECR on computer if they need to treat you when your GP Practice is closed, for example at the A&E Department at Noble's Hospital; the Minor Injuries Unit at Ramsey or when contacting the Manx Emergency Doctor Service (MEDS). However, they must ask you if you agree to this before they look at your information.
If you are unconscious or incapable, authorised staff may look at your MECR without your agreement. This is so they can give you the best possible care. However when they do so they will have to record the reason why your consent to view your information was not possible and the fact that they have done so will be flagged up to the Department of Health.
How secure will it be?
Your MECR will be stored electronically using the highest standards of security, and an electronic record will be kept of everyone who has looked at your MECR. Only staff directly involved in your emergency health care will be allowed to look at your MECR using a unique user name and password. MECR information is kept on the Isle of Man and is not shared with UK health or social care organisations.
What if I don't want a Manx Emergency Care Record (MECR)?
If you don't want an MECR to be available for you, then you can 'opt out'. Forms to do this are available from your GP, the Department of Health, the Department of Social Care or via the Government website. Don't forget that if you do have a MECR, you will be asked if staff can look at it every time they need to but you don't have to agree if you don't want to.
What if I've opted out and want to opt back in to a Manx Emergency Care Record (MECR)?
If you have previously opted out from having a MECR, you can opt back in at any time by completing the form which is available from the same places as the 'opt out' form.