A new web site has been developed by the Renal Exchange Group with funding from the Department of Health and the Scottish and Welsh NHS. It allows patients being treated at renal units in four UK hospitals to see their own medical records, including referral letters, diagnosis, treatment and lab test results. About four hundred patients are currently using the system, and patients being treated at a further seven renal units will join shortly. The records are also available to renal unit staff and to the patient’s general practitioner.

Professor Neil Turner, who is head of the Renal Exchange Group, said "We think this could be a leap forward for patients. It immediately increases patient involvement and clarity between primary and secondary care, and it is achieved simply by sharing existing information. It's had a great reception so far."