This is an initiative which is being undertaken across Scotland to ensure that health professionals can access a bit of information about you including your main medical problems/diagnoses, what medications you are taking, whether or not you have an appointed power of attorney, who your next of kin is or who should be contacted in the event of an emergency and any specific wishes you have about how you would like to be cared for if the need arose. Health professionals would only be able to access this information if a medical need arose and you had NHS 24, the Scottish Ambulance Service or you were admitted to Hospital.

Creating an Anticipatory Care Plan is also a good opportunity for you to think about what your wishes for your future care might be, to think about issues such as appointing a power of attorney if you do not already have one and a good opportunity to share and discuss these things with the doctor you come to see.

When you come in, your GP will ask if you consent to this information being shared with other health professionals who may become involved in your care as detailed above. If you do consent then the information will be entered into a secure computer system that can only be accessed by other health professionals. It is very useful for others to have some information about you in order to offer you the best care possible and according to your wishes.

After your appointment, a paper copy of the information you discussed with the GP will be sent to you for you to keep in a safe place at home.