Which systems are available under GPSoC?
Please see our table of Systems and Suppliers.
Can I move to any of them?
Yes, but you will need to submit a business plan to your PCT and have this approved before you can migrate. Some PCTs’ development plans may encourage adoption of a particular system so be prepared to fight your corner. You do have a free choice. However there is a clause in the GPSoC agreement that says a practice’s choice will be consistent with local development plans.
Can I keep my current system?
Yes. If it is on the approved list central funding will be available for it. If it is not on the approved list no central funding will be available.
Do we have to sign up to GPSoC?
No, but if you do not enter GPSoC central funding for your system will not be available to your PCT.
If I sign up will I have to change system?
No.
Will my PCT be able to force me to change system if I sign up?
No.
Who holds the contract with the system supplier?
The contract under GPSoC will be held by your PCT
What protection do I have?
An agreement outlining the obligations of the PCT and the practice has been negotiated and agreed by CfH and the Joint GP IT Committee on behalf of the profession.
Will I be forced to move when a level 6 compliant system is available?
There remains an ‘expectation’ at the Department of Health that practices will move systems when this happens but but there is no obligation on practices to do so. As yet no such system exists yet.
What is the address of the official government GPSoC site?
http://www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/systemsandservices/gpsupport/gpsoc
Do I need an “integrated system” to support integrated healthcare?
No. Some PCTs and SHAs want GPs and community staff to use the same system in the belief that this will bring about integrated healthcare for patients. In reality any individual health care worker only occasionally needs information from the record of another, and even then only a summary is needed. This will be provided by the NHS Summary Care Record in due course. Different clinical systems can already communicate and will increasingly do so in the future without the need for single systems with all the problems that such monopolies can bring (see eHealth Insider article on GPASS in Scotland).
How long does GPSoC funding last?
The initial Framework contract lasts 2 years from signing by each supplier. Within that time Call Off contracts need to be signed by each PCT with each supplier. The Call Off contracts can last up to four years, giving a maximum total of six years. Most suppliers signed the Framework in September 2007. It is likely most Call Off contracts will be signed by March 2008, so March 2012 is the likely end date for most current systems.
How long does NPfIT funding last (LSP contracts)?
10 years. The last LSP contract to be awarded (to Fujitsu Alliance in the south of England) runs until 2013.
What is the difference between an LSP and a GPSoC contract?
The LSP contracts are largely secret. You cannot get out of an LSP contract until its end (approx 2013). GPSoC contracts have been negotiated by the profession and are open to scrutiny. Under GPSoC you can change systems if you want, but not more frequently than three yearly.
Can I get my server replaced without changing system?
Yes. Your PCT should replace your server if needed. You may be encouraged to move to a hosted version of your current system but cannot be given a choice between moving to a different system or no new server.