The NHS Modernisation Bill has been brought forward, paving the way for the Single Patient Record.

The Single Patient Record will mean all NHS providers will have to share data so the right doctors, nurses and specialists across England can securely see a patient’s full medical history, regardless of where they are being treated.

Patients will no longer have to repeat their medical history unnecessarily and clinicians will benefit from improved access to records.

It is hoped this will result in safer, more coordinated care and will support better care closer to home.

The NHS Modernisation Bill will also formally transfer NHS England's functions into DHSC and the wider system.

Health Minister, Karin Smyth said: "The NHS Modernisation Bill paves the way for the Single Patient Record, enabling patients to have real control over their care through a single, secure and authoritative account of their data for the first time ever.

"It will be a gamechanger that means NHS staff can see patients’ medical records, allowing them to deliver better care faster and more conveniently, and even saving lives.

"We will also strip back bureaucracy by abolishing NHS England, empowering frontline staff as part of our 10 Year Health Plan."

Dr Alec Price-Forbes, National Chief Clinical Information Officer at NHS England, said: "The Single Patient Record will revolutionise patient care – giving all health and care professionals across the country a detailed record of a patient’s care in one place.

"For too long, patient information has been held in silos, leading to patients having to repeat their story multiple times in different care settings, creating the potential for duplication or gaps in understanding by those treating them – and understandable frustrations and a poor experience for patients.

"The Single Patient Record will be available to all health and care staff in real time, meaning patients get higher quality, safer, joined-up and more personalised care.

"Robust protections will be built in, including different levels of access to reflect different needs and clear audit trails – ensuring the public can trust that their data is always secure."