NHS updates ICT catalogue for GPs
The GP Systems of Choice (GPSoC) framework was first launched in 2007 and now provides clinical IT systems for more than 75 percent of GP practices in England.
The catalogue is in the process of being refreshed, with places awarded to suppliers on two out of the three lots.
The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), which set up the framework, estimates GPs will spend up to £1.2 billion through the framework over its initial two year lifetime.
Contracts were signed in May with 16 suppliers for the first lot for core clinical systems. Services provided on this lot include document management, patients record access, workflow management, telehealth and patient-clinician communications systems.
The second lot, awarded most recently, is for 'additional GP IT services', covering hardware, software and professional services to complement services in lot one.
Services provided under lot two include tools for mobile clinical applications, digital dictation, online referral systems, clinical dashboards, appointment booking systems, tools for identifying at-risk patients and check-in touch screen systems.
There are a number of firms listed on both lots, including Advanced Health and Care, Wiggly-Amps, United Health, Black Pear, DXS International, Integrated Care 24, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Microtest, PAERS and Prescribing Services.
The third lot is for 'cross care setting interoperable services' which integrate with core lot one systems to help deliver end-to-end interoperability between GP practices and other NHS bodies.
The HSCIC has produced a shortlist of 20 bidders for the third and final lot and expects to award contracts in "early 2015".