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
 

London latent TB testing and treatment programme update (16 Mar 2016)

Implementation of the national LTBI (latent TB infection) testing and treatment programme is now underway across London except in Bexley, Bromley and Sutton. NHS England have provided us with...
Read more »

Please give us your feedback on this year’s flu programme (16 Mar 2016)

Earlier this month we asked you to complete a short online survey to help us capture any issues this year’s seasonal flu campaign has presented to you. This is because...
Read more »

It’s LMC election year – get ready to make your voice heard and stand for election to your LMC (16 Mar 2016)

Next month you will have a chance to stand for election to your LMC. Elections take place every two years on a rolling basis and any GP working in the...
Read more »

Briefing on 2016/17 Contract changes (16 Mar 2016)

Briefing on 2016/17 Contract changes: Contract Uplift and Expenses NHS Employers and the British Medical Association’s General Practitioners Committee (GPC) announced changes to the GMS contract in England for 2016/17...
Read more »

Be Clear on Cancer- Blood in Pee National Campaign (16 Mar 2016)

‘If you notice blood in your pee, even if it’s ‘just the once’, tell your doctor’ Each year, around 17,450 people in England are diagnosed with bladder or kidney cancer...
Read more »

Training and development events (16 Mar 2016)

The LEAD Calendar of Events 2016/2017 is now available on the website at https://www.lmc.org.uk/events.html. The pdf can be downloaded by clicking on the link: annual programme of events...
Read more »

LMC Letters to London Trusts (16 Mar 2016)

The basic letter (which has been amended slightly by some LMCs) reads: I am writing on behalf of xxx LMC, the statutory body which represents local general practitioners with regards...
Read more »

Nursing Associate Consultation (15 Mar 2016)

Londonwide LMCs has formally responded to the recent Health Education England consultation on the creation of a new nursing staff role within the health system – that of “Nursing Associate”....
Read more »

Zika guidance update (15 Mar 2016)

The joint Zika guidance for primary care has been updated to reflect new travel recommendations for pregnant women and clarification of the advice on sexual transmission.  Changes include: ...
Read more »

Discount on SystmOne National User Group 2016 Conference - 17-18 May 2016 (15 Mar 2016)

Cartron Consulting are offering a code/promo which will give you 40% DISCOUNT off the forthcoming SystmOne National User group conference prices. The first 10 will be the lucky ones. The...
Read more »
Next Page »
« Previous Page