TPP are first supplier to achieve GP Connect full roll out approval

Last week, TPP became the first GP system supplier to achieve full roll-out approval for Access Record: HTML as part of NHS Digital’s GP Connect programme. The programme ensures that staff across the NHS can access vital information from GP practice records. TPP’s full roll-out approval marks a major step forward for the national interoperability initiative. It will help to deliver better care for patients across care settings and improve coordination between staff working across primary care networks.

The Access Record: HTML capability within the GP Connect programme focusses on making GP patient records available in any care setting regardless of IT system. TPP have recently completed two successful pilots – working with the Leeds Care Record team to connect GP practices with Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust and other organisations who are connected to the Leeds Care Record, and with an alliance of GP practices in Newbury. These pilots have resulted in TPP being given the green light from NHS Digital to enable the functionality for all GPs on their system. The aim now is to expand the capability into more settings, for example urgent care, mental health and social care.

TPP are continuing to work closely with the NHS Digital team on the next phase of the GP Connect programme. This phase will provide important structured data – based on open FHIR specifications – alongside patient record views. TPP are also one of the first suppliers to include structured data capability in their GP Connect API. This API was made available to development teams at a recent InterOpen hackathon, with TPP staff working alongside NHS Digital colleagues to promote these new capabilities.

“TPP has worked closely with NHS Digital for over two years to deliver interoperability, based on open standards. GP Connect is a vital first step in the national journey to better shared care. I am very pleased with the progress that has been made and am excited that this functionality will now benefit patients and staff across the entire country,” according to Dr John Parry, TPP’s Clinical Director.

Michelle McDermott, Programme Manager at NHS Digital said: “This is an important step in our ongoing work to achieve the government’s vision of better supporting clinical care by opening up information and data held within GP Practice IT core systems.

“GP Connect will link information held within the different GP information systems, allowing it to flow safely and seamlessly between care settings; empowering health providers to make the best care decisions for their patients.”