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PCT-Practice Agreement

You can download the full agreement here. 

Joint responsibilities

  • An annually agreed summary of the IT services provided by the PCT (including the system supplier).
  • Prior agreement by the PCT is required to use, install, pilot or test any hardware or software or make changes to any hardware/software configuration or software. Otherwise the practice bears the costs of any subsequent problems.
  • A practice may choose to retain its existing GPSoC compliant system.
  • Where a practice decides to migrate, the PCT may require a business case. The PCT and the practice will jointly undertake system selection.
  • An agreed business continuity and disaster recovery plan.
  • Adherence to prevailing security and confidentiality policies at all times.
  • Data protection: There is lack of clarity about who is the data controller.
  • The PCT will provide training in line with an agreed training plan, to be delivered by the PCT or the relevant Supplier.

PCT Responsibilities

  • Contract for a GPSoC Compliant System on behalf of the practice and ensure that the practice is making best use of the technology available to it.
  • Ensure that the practice IT infrastructure is provided, upgraded and maintained in line with the “General Practice IT Infrastructure Specification” and meet or exceed the Support & Maintenance Service Levels;

Practice Responsibilities

  • Comply with the current version of the Good Practice Guidelines;
  • Not try to gain access to the system using equipment which is not authorised or configured for such use by the PCT or the GPSoC Framework Supplier;
  • Log all faults and technical issues promptly
  • Ensure adequate security measures and that PCT owned equipment is protected from theft;

Escalation and Dispute Resolution

  • Escalation Procedure: involving GP representative bodies, the relevant SHA or NHS CfH as appropriate.
  • Dispute Resolution Procedure:
    • NHS Litigation Authority if the practice is a Health Service Body
    • otherwise a binding determination by an expert acting as an impartial expert and not as an arbitrator

Termination of the Agreement

Includes “(b) upon termination of the relevant GPSoC Call Off Agreement”; (NB the latter can be terminated by the PCT with 3 months’ notice without the consent of practices).

Variations

Appendices 2 (Support & Maintenance Service Levels) and 4 (List of Prohibited Software and Hardware) are the only parts that can be customised by the PCT and agreed locally with practices.

 
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