Trusts told not to download latest Internet Explorer
Connecting for Health has instructed NHS trusts not to download copies of the latest version of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer web browser until it can confirm the software works with national applications delivered by the programme and its prime contractors. Reports from NHS users indicate that the web-based Choose and Book application may have problems operating in conjunction with […]
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CfH changes tack on GP Systems of Choice
NHS Connecting for Health has decided to go out to tender for suppliers to take part in GP Systems of Choice (GPSoC). An advertisement will be placed in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) once Treasury approval for the scheme has been received. It will mean on-going contract negotiations with individual GP suppliers […]
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SMS alerts for prescriptions launched
Irish pharmaceutical software company, Systems Solutions Limited, has incorporated SMS text messages, e-mails and direct mail functionality into its QicScript dispensary system. System Solutions says the software is a first that will allow pharmacists to communicate with their patients easily using their preferred method of communication, choosing between text messages, email or letters. The system […]
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Web clinic gains Healthcare Commission registration
An online sexual health clinic that offers postal testing and email consultations is claiming to be the first online medical service to be registered by the Healthcare Commission. DrThom is a private clinic and was set up four years ago by Dr Thomas Van Every, who works in an NHS sexual health clinic in […]
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Anite and Webroster collaborate on new solution
Specialist public sector solutions provider, Anite, has partnered with online workforce software experts, Webroster, to offer an integrated system for health and social care called ASSAM. The two companies’ systems will be interfaced to allow service user, carer, and management requirements to be matched easily. The aim is to improve scheduling efficiency and roster management. […]
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EMIS Access passes 100,000 appointments
Primary care systems provider EMIS has announced that its Access online appointments booking systems has reached two milestones. Latest figures show that two years since it was launched online bookings have passed 100,000, and there have been more than 50,000 requests for repeat prescriptions on the system. According to figures from EMIS 559 GP surgeries […]
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MDU warns practices of data transfer privacy risks
Practices must warn patients that electronic transmission of data is not totally secure or foolproof, says a medical defence organisation in its new guidance on confidentiality. The Medical Defence Union has updated its guide to confidentiality and included a revised section on new recording and communication technologies. It says technologies such as mobile phones, video […]
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Rant or rate?
A NHS-backed social software project is helping patients give feedback online directly to healthcare organisations, finds Fiona Barr.
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Warning on patient data from medicines reviews
Pharmacists are being warned not to e-mail medicines use reviews to GPs until concerns over confidentiality have been addressed. The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee says there has been an “exponential increase” in the number of medicines use reviews (MURs) currently being carried out by pharmacists and that many GPs have asked to receive the MUR […]
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Mixed feelings from GPs in new survey on NPfIT
A new survey of GPs shows a widespread dislike of Choose and Book, but optimism that the National Programme for IT (NPfIT) will bring improvements in clinical care in the longer term. There were concerns, too, about patient privacy with 71% of GP respondents saying that the NHS Care Records Service would mean the confidentiality […]
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