FOR ANSWER BY
THE CABINET SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
ON 06 FEBRUARY 2018
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on comments by the Royal College of General Practitioners on the failure of EMIS to pass the procurement process for GP systems in Wales, and how he will ensure the transition period has no impact on patient services? WAQ75768
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Cabinet Secretary advise as to why EMIS did not pass the procurement process for GP systems in Wales? WAQ75769
Vaughan Gething: The procurement exercise for a framework contract for GP clinical systems was conducted by NHS Wales Informatics Service on behalf of health boards. There is a 10 day standstill period before formal award of contracts. Information on the rationale behind the outcome of the procurement exercise will be provided to practices after conclusion of the standstill period.
The procurement exercise is a normal contracting process that has to be undertaken every five to seven years and has been subject to all the normal procurement processes and criteria.
GPs, through GPC Wales, the Royal College of GPs and practice managers, were members of the procurement group led by NHS Wales Informatics Service and agreed with the outcome of the procurement exercise.
195 GP practices in Wales (around 46%) will be required to change to a new clinical system supplier over an 18 month period, starting from January 2019. NWIS has plans to ensure support and training are provided to practices throughout the process.
