Ronnie Davies, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Wythenshawe Hospital, shares his experience with the GM Care Record (GMCR) and why it’s become essential in trauma and orthopaedic care.

Q: How did your team first come across the GM Care Record, and what was your initial impression?
We heard about the GM Care Record (GMCR) during the early days of the pandemic, through Trust communications. As soon as we saw what it could do, we adopted it straightaway. In fact, it became an essential tool almost overnight. Our junior doctors quickly embedded it into their working practice to reduce time spent chasing information that potentially delays patient care.

Q: What kind of difference has the GMCR made in your day-to-day practice?
It’s transformed how we access critical patient information. In trauma meetings, for example, we often need to understand a patient’s comorbidities or current medications quickly. With the GMCR, that’s just a few clicks away. It’s excellent for checking current medications when admitting a patient out-of-hours, rather than waiting until the morning to contact the GP. It is also used in outpatient clinics to obtain background information about patients.

Q: What was the process like before the GMCR was available?
Before we had electronic records, we’d usually go digging for the last available cardiology letter and hope it was up to date. Now, the GMCR gives us immediate access to medications, diagnoses, and more. That’s a huge step forward, especially in surgical or emergency settings where time and clarity is critical.

Q: As a GMCR Champion, how are you helping to spread awareness and adoption of the GMCR among colleagues?
Peer networks are crucial. I run the regional orthopaedic teaching programme, and we dedicate time to systems teaching, including the GMCR. Trainees see its value straightaway and then take that knowledge with them as they rotate through different trusts. Peer networks like these are a powerful route to grow adoption organically.

Q: Are there any limitations you’ve encountered with the current version of the GMCR?
The functionality is strong but the GMCR V3 interface is looking a bit dated. I’m looking forward to seeing the upcoming V4 redesign which I understand focuses on click-efficiency and cleaner layouts.

Q: Do you see opportunities for the GMCR to enhance communication between primary and secondary care?
Absolutely. Ideally, we’d move beyond sending letters and start assigning care plan tasks directly – like a referral to physiotherapy or other requests to GPs. Letters can get lost in busy workflows, and admin processes vary between practices. A more interactive, integrated approach could be a game-changer.

Q: Final thoughts – what would you say to colleagues who aren’t yet using the GM Care Record?
Ultimately, the GMCR is one of the most powerful digital tools we have in Greater Manchester. If more clinicians experienced the GMCR the way we do – embedded in real-world care – they’d immediately see its value. My message to colleagues is simple:   this is the easiest way to find out about your patients. Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed!