EMIS is using cutting edge technology to provide the Manchester practices with fast access to data and high security of patient records.

April 2004: Single system success for Manchester PCTs

EMIS has successfully implemented its remotely hosted PCT-wide clinical system, EMIS PCS Enterprise, in 34 GP practices in North, South and Central Manchester PCTs.

GPs are using PCS Enterprise to seamlessly access their electronic patient records. EMIS is providing a fully managed service, including server hosting and performance management to ensure fast access to data, fire and flooding protection and full disaster recovery, to ensure that come what may patient data is fully protected.

Fully interoperable

PCS Enterprise is fully interoperable, enabling secure data exchange, which will conform to all the requirements of the National Programme for IT (NPfIT). Using PCS Enterprise facilitates GP to GP exchange of patient records way ahead of NPfIT requirements.

EMIS is using cutting edge technology to provide the Manchester-based practices with fast access to data and high security of patient records. EMIS' n-tier design of the PCS Enterprise database structure, based on Microsoft.net technology, means that practices experience instant access to their data, even though the servers are held off-site.

Manchester NHS Agency view:

Theresa Jennison, Director of Health Informatics, Manchester NHS Agency, said,

"The project was implemented in very short timescales in comparison to other projects of this scale. This was mainly down to the commitment of general practice and EMIS staff to working closely with PCT teams and the agency. When things went wrong, as is always inevitable, the response from the relevant EMIS staff was excellent with swift resolutions being offered. EMIS provided good technical and personal support throughout, including successfully achieving some complex data transfers.

"The main benefit of a managed service from EMIS is that it allows GPs to get on with the delivery of patient care, fully supported by a good clinical system, whilst not having to concern themselves with day-to-day maintenance and back up of the system. It supports clinical governance ensuring a more robust service. Down track, having consistency of systems between practices will help with implementing the NHS Care Record, working with Out of Hours services and other sharing of information."

PCT view:

David King, Acting Chief Executive of North Manchester PCT, said,

"I have been very pleased with the implementation of this project. Feedback from practices has been positive. We are currently carrying out a post implementation review and early indications show satisfaction with the process. These reviews are showing that many GPs find the functionality in EMIS PCS to be excellent. Overall, the implementation has been a success and we look forward to working closely with EMIS in the future."

EMIS view:

Sean Riddell, Deputy Managing Director of EMIS, said,

"This is a good example of how EMIS PCS Enterprise solutions can be implemented across multiple practices. By working in partnership with the Manchester NHS Agency, we have achieved a solution that meets the requirements of the Manchester PCTs and practices whilst also fulfilling the aspirations of NPfIT now."