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 2018Online STI service replaces in-person testing for asymptomatic patients (16 Aug 2018)
Changes to sexual health services in London mean that anyone who is asymptomatic and wants to be tested for STIs should order a testing kit from the Sexual Health...Tips of the Month August 2018 (16 Aug 2018)
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...LMC 2018 elections - results (30 Jul 2018)
Election results are now available for all constituencies North central and east London ...Re-inventing medicine round-table (18 Jul 2018)
At our annual conference in May, Prof Martin Marshall, vice-chair of RCGP Council, spoke about the need to reconsider what general practice and community medicine looks like. Reinventing medicine is...Preparing for your CQC presentation (18 Jul 2018)
This month we are launching our CQC presentation guide, which explains how to prepare for the 30 minute presentation which is part of every practice inspection. Dami Akanbi from our...Londonwide LMCs' July 2018 newsletter (18 Jul 2018)
...Tips of the month July 2018 (17 Jul 2018)
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...CPD Standards Office awards our General Practice Manager Training Programme 106 CPD points (17 Jul 2018)
Our new General Practice Manager (GPM) training programme has now been awarded CPD accreditation by the CPD Standards Office. Students on the programme will now receive up to 106...Free practice manager conference - Thursday 22 November 2018 (17 Jul 2018)
Our next free to attend practice manager's conference will take place on Thursday 22 November 2018 at Woburn House, 20 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HQ. The packed programme so far...GP partnership review - London fact-finding visit (16 Jul 2018)
Dr Nigel Watson, Chair of Wessex LMCs, is leading the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) review of the GP partnership, due to be completed by the end of...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...
