Fife GP surgeries set to launch new IT system – how the move will affect patients
GP practices across Fife are set to move to a new clinical IT system.
The change, which will happen on a phased basis across the next few months, is part of a national programme aimed at establishing a single, standardised system across Scotland’s surgeries.
NHS Fife has said there will be little, or no, change for most patients on how they access GP services.
However, during the period immediately before, during and after their practice moves, some patients will notice temporary changes to services. These could include reduced appointment availability on specific days, changes to online services such as appointment booking or repeat prescription ordering, and delays in processing non-urgent requests.
Practices will remain open throughout the transition period and will continue to provide care for patients who require urgent medical assistance.
Dr Moontarin Ansar, GP and the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership’s clinical director for primary and preventative care, said: "These are the most significant changes to GP systems in many years and will help create a more consistent approach across general practice in Scotland.
"Practice teams are working incredibly hard to prepare for the transition while continuing to provide care for patients. We would ask people to bear with practice staff during this period and, where possible, only contact their practice if they need urgent medical assistance on the days affected by the change.
"Moving to a nationally supported system is intended to help ensure GP practices are well placed to meet the future needs of patients and communities across Fife."
The transition represents a significant change for clinical and administrative teams, who will be learning new systems and ways of working while continuing to provide patient care.
Patients can help by ordering repeat prescriptions in plenty of time, attending any appointments already arranged unless advised otherwise, and continuing to contact their practice directly if they have urgent health concerns.
Information on when each practice is scheduled to move to the new system will be made available through individual GP practice
Individual practices will communicate directly with patients ahead of their own changeover dates.