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 2018

Londonwide LMCs conference 2019 round-up (19 Mar 2019)

On 12 March 2019 we hosted our annual conference – titled “All Together Now” - at the Kia Oval. The day was a great success with an array of guest...

New ICO advice on handling Subject Access Requests (19 Mar 2019)

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) have recently released a blog containing further advice for GPs and practices on the right of access for patients, commonly called Subject Access Requests (SARs)....

Londonwide LMCs’ board changes (15 Mar 2019)

Following elections we would like to welcome Dr Anouska Hari (NW) and Dr Naureen Bhatti (NC/NE) to the board. Dr Marek Jarzembowski (South), Dr Robbie Bunt (NC/NE), Dr Simon Parton...

New BMA locum template terms and conditions (13 Mar 2019)

The BMA GPC and sessional subcommittee have jointly produced model terms of engagement for locum GPs, which they recommend both practices and locums should proactively adopt. It should be noted that...

Safeguarding Children and Adults L2 - Wednesday 22 May 2019 - places still available (27 Feb 2019)

...

Londonwide LMCs' February 2019 Newsletter (20 Feb 2019)

...

Tips of the month February 2019 (19 Feb 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...

QOF business rules coding issues – update for practice teams (19 Feb 2019)

Please note that no action is currently needed by practices on this matter, but you should read the information carefully. Following the introduction of the SNOMED-CT coding in 2018/19, NHS...

Type 2 opt-outs replaced by the national data opt-out (19 Feb 2019)

Type 2 opt-outs have been replaced by the national data opt-out so practices must no longer use the type 2 opt-out code to record a patient's opt-out choice as it...