1. Do I have to change systems?

No. If you already use a GPSoC compliant system you can choose to continue using it. You can be included in GPSoC (and thus benefit from central funding) when your PCT enters into a GPSoC Call Off Agreement with your supplier on your behalf. In future you can choose to change to another GPSoC compliant system or to an LSP system.

2. Can I choose to move to a new system?

Yes. You can choose to move to a new system. To do this you will need to agree the change with your local PCT and may need to produce a business case.

3. Can I keep a system that is not on the GPSoC Framework and which is not available from my LSP?

Yes you can. However, there is no GPSoC funding available for software licence charges or system upgrades for systems that are not on the GPSoC Framework.

4. Can I do nothing?

Yes. However, if you choose not to enter GPSoC or an LSP contract, central funding will not be available to your PCT.

5. Will the PCT be able to force me into changing my GP system?

No. The GMS contractual arrangement requires that practices have a guaranteed choice from a number of accredited systems. The agreement also says that the practices will exercise that choice in line with local development plans, local business cases and service level agreements. Practices and PCTs will need to work together to make the right choices for patient care in their local health community. GPSoC funding for the software licence charge makes it less likely that a PCT will seek to migrate a practice in order to alleviate local financial pressures.

6. Will my migration to a GPSoC compliant system be funded?

The cost of migration between systems will be covered locally and a PCT may require a business case in the event that the PCT is funding the migration. NHS CFH will provide funding towards the data migration element of the migration costs where a practice is migrating to a system that is hosted to NHS CFH standards.

7. What guidance is there to help me choose the right system for me?

NHS CFH will publish information via the GPSoC web pages. It is anticipated that information will also be available from a number of sources, including the suppliers themselves, your PCT and other independent sources.

A set of selection criteria have been agreed with key stakeholders and included in the GPSoC Framework agreement for use when a practice wishes to select an alternative system from the Framework.

8. Why introduce GPSoC when integrated LSP solutions will provide greater patient benefit?

GPSoC facilitates the delivery of benefits to practices and patients who do not currently use LSP systems. Over time the expectation is that practices will choose systems that provide the most benefits to patients across a number of different care settings.

9. How long does GPSoC last?

The Framework Agreement runs for two years from signature with each supplier with the option to extend for up to another two years. Each Call Off Agreement can run for up to four years from signature.

10. What happens when a fully integrated Level 6 GP system is available? Will I be forced to move to it?

When a fully integrated Level 6 GP system is available and certified by GP professional representatives as offering improved functionality and benefits to patient care when compared to other GP systems, there will be an expectation that practices will migrate to that system.

11. Will there be significant differences in functionality between the systems offered by GPSoC Framework suppliers and a fully integrated Level 6 system?

Systems that are not fully integrated can never offer as effective data sharing and transfer as a fully integrated system. The standards for non-fully integrated systems will seek to minimise the difference.