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News of an imminent announcement of In Practice Systems as the 'alternative' GP solution supplier for the South of England puts another piece of the National Programme for IT in place. For practices needing replacement systems that are happy with the named alternative, this will be a welcome development. Those who want a different system will regard it as bad news and a confirmation that 'choice' of systems promised under the nGMS does not mean what they thought.
Perhaps the more interesting question is how long it will take for the main common clinical solution for the region, under development by IDX, to be unveiled. Another article in this week's newsletter reports that the delivery schedule for phase one, release two of the core NHS Care Records Service (CRS) solution, again in the South of England, has slipped by nine months. Will the 'alternative' system be the sole choice for rather longer than we expected?
Finally, GP, writer and broadcaster, Dr Phil Hammond, has agreed to be the compere for the presentation of the E-Health Innovation Awards on 21 April in London. The closing date is 1 March, so there are a few days left to get your winning entry in. Bookings are also welcome for what promises to be an enjoyable awards dinner and ceremony. All details at the E-Health Innovation Awards website.
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InPractice Systems set to sign for the South
Fujitsu Alliance, Local Service Provider for the Southern cluster, looks set to finalise contract negotiations with InPractice Systems to supply a version of its Vision 3 system as the 'alternative' GP software solution, E-Health Insider has learned.
Patients use GePmail for self-monitoring
Patients have begun to use a secure internet link to submit their blood pressure and blood sugar results to GPs in a move which could help practices hit their Quality and Outcomes Framework targets.
NHS CRS delayed by nine months in South
The delivery schedule for the core NHS Care Records Service (CRS) solution in the South of England has slipped by nine months. The key release that will start to deliver clinical functionality such as order communications is now not due until June 2006 at the earliest.
Irish GP software providers merge systems
The two largest primary healthcare software suppliers in Ireland have merged their systems, meaning that 60% of GPs - a total of 4000 - will be using software from the same company.
City and Hackney shares patient data securely
City and Hackney Teaching PCT in Central London has installed comprehensive security software which, it is hoped, will improve security and confidentiality of transferable patient data.
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Revised guidance on confidentiality and QOF due next week
The BMA's General Practitioner Committee and the Department of Health are to issue revised guidance on confidentiality by the end of the month following concerns about information viewed during Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) checks. The GPC says the confusion generated by the issue of QOF visits and the delays in getting advice to PCOs and practices were due to the complexity of the issues and the desire to involve practices in the minimal amount of additional work or risk. A revised Code of Practice on Confidentiality and the Disclosure of Information is being discussed with the health department and will be available at the end of this month.
Premium rate phone lines to be banned
The Department of Health is expected to announce the banning of all premium and certain national rate numbers by NHS bodies this week in a move to protect patients from higher-cost calls. The GPC says a number of GP practices use such phone lines in agreements with commercial companies which it claims practices have entered into with the encouragement of their primary care organisations. The GPC says its aim is to ensure that practices are not financially disadvantaged as a result of the ban.
PARIS puts autism services online
The National Autistic Society has launched a new online service called PARIS (Public Autism Resource and Information Service, which provides a searchable database of thousands of autism services available across the UK from schools, day services and diagnostic services, to play schemes, support groups and training courses. Aimed at parents and professionals alike, the service is sponsored by Vodafone, which is working to make a version of PARIS accessible via mobile phones.
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Cheap as chips
