MAKING patients' medical records available outside their GP''s surgery is a sensible move that could save lives.

Previously, medical staff in hospitals had no way of knowing the state of a patient's health, but Bolton has become the first place in the country to make records available electronically to other medical staff outside the GP's surgery.

The scheme, introduced in two surgeries, means allergies and current medication can be assessed if a patient falls ill elsewhere in the area, making treatment faster and safer.

No doubt there will be some people who object on a confidentiality basis, but this is surely a move that needs to be expanded elsewhere and fast.