Pharmacists will gain access to the Summary Care Record for the first time under plans by NHS IT managers, Pulse can reveal. Pilots are being considered in community pharmacies across the country, as a key step in the Government drive for pharmacies to take on more clinical work.

The plan has provoked concern among GPs over patient confidentiality, but a spokesperson for NHS Connecting for Health said it was vital for the rollout of the hugely delayed care record.

'The plans are at an early stage, but Connecting for Health has already said we are in favour of it and we see this as a positive move,' the spokesperson said.

Bradford and Airedale Teaching PCT is the first PCT in the country to express an interest in the scheme and is currently canvassing local community pharmacists to assess support…