GP practices across England can now access new technology with
the introduction of the first new core IT system for 25
years.
As part of reforms to increase competition and innovation
in the market, NHS England has approved the first of a new
generation of electronic patient record systems for GPs – with
more suppliers expected to be made available later this year.
The cloud-based technology will support the integration of
primary care with other settings, including care homes and
vaccination centres, and can be used on different devices such as
tablets – supporting the delivery of neighbourhood care and
helping doctors to best meet their patients' needs.
NHS leaders described the move as the
“first shake-up of the GP IT market in a quarter of a century”,
with increased competition in the sector helping the NHS to boost
productivity and reduce admin time for staff.
In recent years, GP practices in England have largely had a
choice of just two suppliers for the IT system they use to manage
patient care.
Now, a new core clinical IT system created by Medicus
Health is available to practices across the country – with the
system already live in four early-adopting sites, serving over
42,000 patients in total.
This is the first new supplier to be fully assured through NHS
England's Tech Innovation Framework, which ensures new products
are fully compliant on information governance, clinical safety
and data protection, while integrating with NHS infrastructure
such as the Electronic Prescription Service, NHS e-Referral
Service and NHS App.
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS national director of primary care and
community services, said: “This new generation of systems is the
first shake-up of the GP IT market we have seen in a quarter of a
century, and this shift will help unlock more modern, joined-up
care for patients, and help our staff to work better and smarter.
“It also shows our ongoing commitment to ensuring that the NHS
has access to the highest quality digital tools to transform the
experience of patients and staff.”
One of the first practices to adopt the new system was Wilmslow
Health Centre in Cheshire, which has over 16,000 patients.
Dr Amar Ahmed, GP Partner at Wilmslow Health Centre, said: “I can
access patient records instantly, making consultations smoother,
and as we get more familiar with the system, we expect to see
even greater benefits – more informed decisions, quick access to
the right information, and a better overall experience for our
patients and staff.
“Appointments are managed more smoothly, and our team
communication has never been better. It's the kind of efficiency
that translates directly into patient care.”
Medicus Health integrates with 24 national NHS services and
is the first to implement five new national open standards for
information exchange, including for electronic prescriptions and
referrals.
More than 25 Integrated Care Boards are exploring how they
can support adoption of these new systems, with interest growing
across the country.
It is expected more core GP IT systems that meet the
standards of the Tech Innovation Framework will become available
by April 2026, offering a wider choice for practices.
Notes to editors
More information on the Tech Innovation Framework is available
here https://digital.nhs.uk/services/digital-care-services-catalogue/tech-innovation-framework
