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CSC sign GPSoC Framework Agreement (June 2009)

CSC have signed a GPSoC Framework Agreement with NHS Connecting for Health for the supply of TPP SystmOne. SystmOne is a GPSoC Level 2 system that is Hosted to NHS CFH Standards.

GPSoC Update on DES Component Payments (31 March 2009)

DES Component 4 compensates primary care contractors that have migrated to a system that is Hosted to NHS CFH Standards for the effort involved in the migration process.  This DES is due to expire at the end of March 2009.

For contractors who are participating in the IM&T DES, PCTs must review the contractor’s progress in achieving components 2, 3 and 4 on or immediately after 1st April 2009 (SFE 7C.22).  The PCT must discuss with those contractors that have not reached a particular standard the reasons why that standard has not been reached.  PCTs have a discretionary power to make part payments to contractors where they are satisfied that the contractor has made all reasonable efforts to achieve the relevant standard and any matters that have prevented the standard being reached are beyond the contractors control (SFE 7C.24).

NHS Connecting for Health has confirmed that not all GPSoC suppliers that presently offer hosted services have met the standard in full.  However, many contractors have taken the necessary steps and implemented the hosted services provided by these suppliers in their practices by the 31st March deadline in the IM&T DES.  The fact that not all of the suppliers have met NHS CFH standards in full by this deadline is in no way the fault of these contractors.  Where a contractor has not qualified for a DES component 4 payment as of right, PCTs are asked to exercise their discretionary power to make DES component 4 payments to those contractors that are, on 31 March 2009, operating a hosted service that has or is due to achieve Hosting to NHS CFH Standards. 

The Department of Health has been consulted on the content of this statement and recommends that PCTs use their discretion as suggested.

The General Practitioners Committee of the BMA endorse the position set out in this statement.

Hosting to NHS CFH standards - The Facts (31 March 2009)

A presentation on hosting to NHS CFH standards (PDF 84Kb) is available to download. The presentation covers benefits for practices, financial implications, addressing practices concerns and where to get further information.

Seetec withdrawal from GPSoC programme update (16 February 2009)

Seetec have written to their remaining practices informing them that they will be disconnecting their system from National Spine service on the 25th February, at which point all PDS and integrated Choose and Book services will no longer be available to your practice.

EAPMC and extended opening hours (3 December 2008)

Following a review with GPSoC Suppliers of the requirements previously indicated and how these would be delivered by GPSoC Suppliers we are currently progressing an amended set of requirements that will:

• Reduce the proposed additional support hours to cover the extended opening hours to match actual take up profiles
• Align payment to suppliers to the actual level of calls received i.e. price will not be fixed in advance
• Relieve suppliers of fix time obligations for severity 3-5 incidents reported outside GP practice hours

Additional information on PCT-Practice Agreements (16 October 2008)

It is recognised that signing PCT-Practice agreements with all GPSoC practices is a significant task for PCTs and that PCTs are working closely with practices, LMCs and other stakeholders to achieve this goal. It is also clear from discussions that this close working with stakeholders is key to success, helping those involved to address local concerns prior to signing the agreements.

To support the range of work that is currently ongoing to implement PCT-Practice agreements across England, NHS CFH have added a new section to the GPSoC website called PCT-Practice Agreements.

This section provides a range of materials including:

• PCT-Practice Agreement guidance and FAQs
• Information about the targets set by SHAs and the number of PCT-Practice Agreements signed by PCTs and practices to date. A lot of work is going on behind the scenes to meet these targets. The figures in this section will be updated on a weekly basis to show the progress that is being made.
• A case study has been produced which outlines the process adopted by Liverpool PCT on the introduction and implementation of the PCT-Practice Agreement. Case studies are a useful way to share experiences and if you have specific experiences you think it would be useful to share with other PCTs, please send them to gpsoc@nhs.net so further case studies can be uploaded.    

Tracking Database Common Issues and FAQs (16 October 2008) 

NHS CFH have published a document, requested by PCTs, to support the input activities on the Tracking Database. This document identifies Common Issues and FAQs that support input into the GPSoC area of the Tracking Database. The completion of these areas will ensure that the PCTs information on their GP Practices is accurate.

Seetec (16 October 2008)

Following discussions with NHS CFH Seetec have agreed that their NPfIT application(s) will remain available until February 2009.  From the end of March 2009 Seetec will cease to support their GP clinical IT System through GPSoC.  Seetec will be writing to all practices currently using the Seetec system to confirm this position.

PCT Reminder – Back up tape encryption (September 2008)

A recent communication from David Nicholson to all Chief Executives of Primary Care Trusts advised PCTS that under the GP Systems of Choice (GPSoC) Framework we have negotiated significant reductions on licensing and installation prices for back up tape encryption services.

Use of these services will provide significant protection in the event of the loss of practice back up tapes

If you are intending to use these services David Nicholson’s letter encourages you to place your orders with GPSoC suppliers before the end of September 2008. This will ensure we have visibility of the volumes before setting a deadline for installation.

More details on the costs for individual suppliers can be found in the Services for Secure Storage & Transmission of PID (Word 104Kb)

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