Electronic health records stored in a local GP clinical desktop system can improve access to care and health outcomes for all patients and are a secure electronic record of a patient’s medical history.

The National eHealth Record System (the personally controlled electronic health record) is a summary of key health information that can be made available by the patient to authorised healthcare providers. Note: the PCEHR is not a full patient health record and therefore will not hold all information that is stored in a local GP clinical desktop system.