LMC advice on SystmOne instant messaging service
In January 2009, TPP released new functionality to SystmOne allowing users to send instant messages to any other member of staff logged on to SystmOne at their organisation. This means that staff members can be alerted to something without their consultation being interrupted. Instant Messaging is intended to be used for quick, non-clinical messages that don't require an audit trail. However, unlike EMIS, SystmOne messages cannot be deleted and remain permanently accessible. EMIS instant messages can be deleted, but a permanent record remains that a user has deleted a message.
The LMC has received concerns that clinical and non-clinical practice staff may be using this service inappropriately, including for patient level information. Please note that under the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), if patients request their medical record they should also be able to request any communications about them. Using instant messaging for patient level information creates the following risks:
- medico-legal issues
- performance management
- CQC/NHSE issues
- governance implications
- GDPR implications
Please ensure that all practice staff are aware of these risks and are using this service appropriately.
Last updated : 18 Apr 2018Tips of the month October 2019 (22 Oct 2019)
We provide weekly tips based on common queries which come through to us from London GPs and practice teams. These are shared via social media and collated for...Digital-first update - October 2019 (22 Oct 2019)
At the end of September NHS England’s board agreed proposals put forward following its most recent digital-first consultation. The NHS England board paper on digital-first recommendations can be viewed...BMA PCSE surveys closing 25 October (21 Oct 2019)
The BMA surveys of GP practices and of GPs are closing on Friday 25 October. They are designed to collect information on the problems encountered with Primary Care Support England, the...The revised Notification of Deaths Regulations (2019) (21 Oct 2019)
The Notification of Deaths Regulations (2019) came into force on 1 October 2019, a link to the associated Statutory Instrument can be found here and the Ministry of Justice’s...Preparing for Brexit with MidMeds (14 Oct 2019)
With growing uncertainty about the impacts of Brexit on London general practice, we know that some practices are thinking about stockpiling essential supplies. The Londonwide Buying Group's recommended medical supplies...Buying Group newsletter - October 2019 (14 Oct 2019)
Initial training for cervical sample takers - book your place now (04 Oct 2019)
Initial...Tips for covering sexual health in consultations (18 Sep 2019)
Kirsty Armstrong is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Out of Hours, Primary and Urgent Care and a Lecturer in Primary and Urgent Care, along with leading our Sexual Health Update...Becoming more dementia friendly for World Alzheimer’s Day (18 Sep 2019)
21 September is World Alzheimer’s Day, when individuals and organisations are encouraged to take steps to become more dementia friendly in their day-to-day lives. The more people understand about dementia,...Dr Nikki Kanani appointed Director of Primary Care for NHS England and NHS Improvement (18 Sep 2019)
Congratulations to Dr Nikki Kanani, a Bexley GP, on becoming Director of Primary Care for NHS England and NHS Improvement. At the start of September, NHSE/I confirmed her role as...Guidance
We provide expert guidance for practices in our guidance section, as well as an archive of other materials you may find useful.
GP Support
Contact our GP Support team if you need help or advice.
The team provide professional and pastoral support to GPs and practice teams on a broad range of issues.
follow us on...
