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Year-end deadline for agreement of GP Systems of Choice and GP IT services

NHS England has published an agreement for signature by practices and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) setting out the provision of GP Systems of Choice (GPSoC) and GP IT services. The agreement sets out the relative responsibilities of CCGs in providing these services and each practice’s responsibilities in receipt. The agreement replaces the previous PCT-practice agreement.

The deadline for signature of the agreement by practices and CCGs is 31 December 2015. Signature is necessary to ensure each practice’s right to choose a clinical system is protected, and to help ensure CCGs meet their IT obligations. Where signature is not possible, a resolution should be sought through CCG escalation to their area team. The HSCIC has stated that central IT funding could be withdrawn from practices that have not signed the agreement by the deadline.

The GPC’s IT Subcommittee recommends that LMCs and practices work with their CCG to ensure an agreement is reached; they are aware that some CCGs are yet to initiate discussions with practices. The Joint GPC/Royal College of General Practitioners IT Committee was consulted on the agreement and practices are advised to familiarise themselves with its content. The agreement, plus supporting guidance, is available on the Health and Social Care Information Centre website and NHS England websites. HSCIC has also published some FAQs.

The HSCIC has advised that CCGs and practices are only able to update the three specific appendices. Appendices 1, 2 and 3 (listed below) are subject to local agreement and should be completed by the CCG in consultation with practices. The agreement itself should remain as per the version on the HSCIC/NHS England websites.

• Appendix 1 – summary of services
• Appendix 2 – support and maintenance service levels
• Appendix 3 – escalation procedure

LMCs can contact the GPC Secretariat (hsenior@bma.org.uk) with any queries or concerns.

Last updated : 14 Oct 2015

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