Summary Care Record access is changing

The Summary Care Record application is being removed, in its place you will need to use the National Care Records Service (NCRS).

The National Care Records Service (NCRS) is the improved successor to the Summary Care Record application (SCRa). NHS England requires all users and organisations to switch from SCRa to NCRS by 29 September 2023.

You can switch and start using NCRS now. 

About switching over

• The platform used to authenticate SCRa is an old legacy system that is being removed.  
• Switching over to NCRS is quick and simple. With the right software installed on devices, it can be as easy as changing a web link.
• NCRS is built on a new authentication platform that offers greater support for internet first connectivity and additional user authentication methods beyond physical smartcards. 
• It provides a quick, secure way to access national patient information to improve clinical decision making and healthcare outcomes and it is free to use. 
• NCRS offers multiple access options, such as biometric authentication and smartcards. It's available in clinical, office or mobile environments over the internet, as well as the Health and Social Care Network (HSCN).  
• NCRS provides access to patient information for a wider range of health and care professionals. 

User guidance:

• National Care Records Service (NCRS) user guidance - NHS Digital