The NUG is keen to engage the growing number of EMIS users in Scotland, but how? We’ve found that few Scottish users are represented at the NUG conference in Warwick.
There are also a number of new practices, former GPASS users who recently migrated to EMIS. We decided to organise a one-day conference in Scotland.
The first Scottish EMIS User Group Conference was held on 16th June 2010 at Glasgow University. Forty people attended which meant that the occasion was quite informal and intimate: a little acorn.
NUG chair, Dr Charlie Stuart-Buttle opened the day with a welcome and presentation of the benefits of the NUG. Sean Riddell gave an informative and entertaining talk beginning with an overview of EMIS - there are now EMIS sites in Buckingham Palace as well as the Ministry of Defence. Sean said that EMIS is likely to have 56 per cent of the market share in Scotland, with INPS being the other main system.
The Outer Hebrides, Ayrshire and Arran, Glasgow and Forth Valley are all going to use EMIS, with some other areas yet to decide. It is hoped that EMIS Web will be available for Scottish practices towards the end of next year. Sean informed us of the benefits of EMIS Web by using the example of the astounding reduction in waiting times for minor surgery in Liverpool. There is now a Scotland specific helpline (0845 125 5537) and email address Scotland.support@e-mis.com, as well as a Facebook site. Dr Peter Kiehlmann updated us on the ePalliative Care Summary, with plenty of audience participation. This is the next step from the Emergency Care Summary and enables better communication from the GPs to NHS 24 and ambulances, palliative care and the patient’s wishes regarding end of life care.
After lunch, Rhian Bulmer from EMIS, presented the EMIS PCS hints and tips session, which she did expertly as usual. Then Dr Rob Walter gave a comprehensive overview of the Chronic Medication Service, which is likely to go live in late August in Scotland. This year pharmacists will register up to 50 patients who have free prescriptions, for this service. The benefits will be a reduction in waste, better compliance and fewer visits to the surgery for patients whose repeat medications are stable.
The day concluded with a question and answer session. Thank you to all the excellent speakers for their presentations and to the NUG staff : Manager Lorraine Witherspoon and Carol Simpson for all their hard work in organising the conference.
It is to be hoped that this little acorn will grow into a big oak tree next year, as more and more GPASS practices change to EMIS. Feedback was encouraging and the NUG committee will be considering ways of continuing to support EMIS users in Scotland.