FORMER Olympic athlete and BBC sports commentator Steve Cram CBE has become an ambassador for the Great North Care Record.

Set up over three years ago, the record was launched as a way for health and care organisations to share patient information electronically across the North-East and North Cumbria.

Currently viewed over 100,000 times a month, the system makes GP records accessible for hospital A&E departments, out-of-hours providers, as well as mental health, ambulance and 111 services.

“This is something which I am passionate about,” said Steve.

“Both my mum and dad experienced frustrating end of life experiences with cross-over between hospitals, care homes and local authority services. Accurate data collection, storing and sharing should be commonplace and effective in today’s digital world.”