Clincians within the Swadlincote Primary Care Network will now be able to access all patient records no matter where they are registered as a result of the Coronavirus spread.

Swadlincote Surgery revealed the move on Thursday.

It said that, given the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, plans have been made with neighbouring GP surgeries to ensure continuity of patient care in the event that their own surgery is unable to operate.

Arrangements are being made for clinicians within the Primary Care Network - Woodville, Heartwood, Newhall, Gresleydale and Swadlincote Surgeries - to be able to temporarily access all patient records.

The surgery explained that some surgeries are already being impacted by reduced staffing levels due to Government guidance on self-isolation measures.

It added that others may have to close temporarily in the event of a deep clean.

The surgery says this decision has been made with patient safety in mind and adds the safest decisions about managing your health are those made when the assessing clinician has full access to your medical records.

A communication from Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has advised: "GDPR does not inhibit use of data for coronavirus response.

"GDPR has a clause excepting work in the overwhelming public interest. No one should constrain work on responding to coronavirus due to data protection laws.

"We are all having to give up some of our liberties; rights under GDPR have always been balanced against other public interests."