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 2018Speakers Corner - New scheme to register offenders (16 Aug 2016)
This month Leighe Rogers explains how various agencies are coming together to support offenders to register with GPs. Leighe works in the justice system on behalf of NHS England London. The...Sustainability and Transformation Plans - August 2016 Update (11 Aug 2016)
Dr Michelle Drage responds to LMC exclusion from STP process On 10 August Michelle Drage was quoted in Pulse’s article on GPs being excluded from STP discussions in some...Our Travel Health Update was a great success (22 Jul 2016)
With summer holidays looming on the horizon it was unsurprising that our Travel Health Update held on the 30 June 2016 proved very popular. It covered many important updates on...Dr Michelle Drage meets HRH Prince Charles (21 Jul 2016)
Our CEO Dr Michelle Drage represented London GP’s at the College of Medicine’s ‘Food the forgotten Medicine’ recently. After the event she was part of...July Newsletter 2016 now available (21 Jul 2016)
Cervical screening direct referral responsibilities (20 Jul 2016)
NHS England have issued an update to clarify what a practice should do when they receive a cervical smear result. There is now a system in place to directly refer...Government data security consultation (19 Jul 2016)
The Government has been conducting a data security review, run by Dame Fiona Caldicott, the National Data Guardian for Health and Care. A report has now been produced with...#GPStateofEmergency update - July 2016 (19 Jul 2016)
In April 2016 GPs in London and across the country declared a #GPStateofEmergency. To help practices manage their increasing workload during this state of emergency we have producedLondonwide LMCs’ jobs board (19 Jul 2016)
As part of our service to our GPs and their practice teams, we provide a free to use jobs section where practices can advertise vacancies or GPs who are...New Department of Health ministerial team announced (19 Jul 2016)
Following the appointment of Theresa May as the Conservative leader and de jure Prime Minister, her Cabinet reshuffle was widely covered at the weekend. The Secretary of State for Health,...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...
