More than half of that figure had been achieved by Christmas 2006 and the GP2GP project team within NHS CFH, working closely with system suppliers EMIS and InPs, is now looking to maintain that momentum during 2007.

Practices are currently receiving version 1.0 of GP2GP, which facilitates the electronic transfer of records between practices using the same system ('homogeneous transfers').

The next release of the GP2GP software, v1.1, will enable transfers between practices using different systems (e.g. EMIS to InPS and vice versa). This interoperable version of GP2GP is in the early stages of being trialled in Croydon.

One of the PCTs leading the way in the current roll-out is Bury, where all GP practices are now able to transfer and receive Electronic Health Records between their InPs clinical systems.

Dr. John Hampson, who has been closely involved with the initiative, said: "We are very pleased to be one of the first areas in the country to be able to securely transfer whole Electronic Health Records when patients move between practices."

"The main advantage of the new system will be improved care for patients as GPs will have full and detailed medical records available to them within 24 hours of a patient registering. The records are transferred directly between the practices and remain secure and confidential at all times."

The project team is currently developing plans for national rollout. This will commence once interoperability trials have concluded in Croydon PCT.

Cowes Medical Centre on the Isle of Wight has taken part in a successful trial of the new GP2GP patient health record transfer solution for practices using InPs Vision.

Cowes Medical Centre serves a population of 14,000 people on the Isle of Wight and on average has around 20 new patients a week.

Talking about the trial, Dr Rakesh Chopra said he is very pleased with the way GP2GP is working: "All the information that you need is there and it's already entered into the patient record.

"Examination data, consultation data, pathology results, weights, heights, immunisations, allergies, family history and it is all in a searchable form.

"Everything that you need for the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) is there. There is no need to type anything into the system."

It's also envisaged that other system suppliers will join EMIS and InPs in the full national roll-out once it is underway.