MAJOR UPDATE
Springfield Medical Practice is changing its clinical IT system from EMIS PCS to Vision and we would like to explain why this is happening and how it may affect the services we provide during the changeover period.
What is Vision?
Vision is a clinical records system used by GP practices to securely record and manage patient healthcare information. As part of a national programme, GP practices across Scotland that currently use EMIS PCS are moving to Vision.
Why are you changing systems?
We are moving from EMIS PCS to Vision as part of a wider NHS Scotland GP IT modernisation programme. EMIS PCS is being fully retired in early 2027 and all practices must migrate to Vision before then. Please be reassured that your medical records will be transferred securely, and you will remain registered with the practice throughout the change.
When is the changeover taking place?
The changeover will take place from Tuesday 8th September to Tuesday 15th September.
Our Go Live date will be Tuesday 15 September, when we begin using Vision as our clinical system.
What will happen to my prescription requests during the changeover?
We will be unable to process routine repeat prescription requests during the changeover period.
If your medication is due during this time, please ensure that your request reaches us by:
12pm on Tuesday 8th September
We will begin accepting prescription requests again from:
Monday 21st September
Please be mindful that community pharmacies may be busier than usual before and after the changeover period. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Will I still be able to book ROUTINE appointments?
We will continue to offer routine appointments as normal up to and including:
Friday 11th September
Between 14th September and 25th September (inclusive) we will have significantly reduced capacity while the system change is taking place and will not be able to offer routine appointments. This is in line with the expected reduction in routine services during GP IT system migrations.
Routine appointments will resume at a reduced number from:
Tuesday 29th September
Routine appointments will only be available to be booked after our go live date.
Will I still be able to book URGENT appointments?
Yes, urgent medical care will continue to be available throughout the changeover period.
Between 14th September and 25th September (inclusive), only urgent on-the-day appointments will be available. If you require urgent medical assistance during this period, please contact the practice directly.
Please only contact the surgery during this period if your medical condition cannot wait until after our go live.
Will online services be affected?
Yes. Online prescription requests will be paused between 14th September and 18th September (Inclusive)
Will there be delays with paperwork and administrative requests?
During the migration period and for some time after, there will be delays in processing non-urgent paperwork, reports, forms and other administrative requests while staff learn to work within the new system.
When will the practice be running normally again?
Our Go Live date is Tuesday 15 September and we plan for routine services to return to normal from Tuesday 29th September.
As with any major IT system change, there may be some initial “teething problems” while staff become familiar with the new system. NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde advises that practices may continue to experience some challenges for a period after implementation as teams adapt to new processes.
We ask for your patience and understanding during this time, and we will do everything possible to minimise disruption and continue providing safe care.
What is NOT changing?
- You will remain registered with Springfield Medical Practice.
- Your medical records will be transferred securely.
- Urgent care will continue to be available throughout the migration.
- Routine appointments will return following the go-live period.
Thank you for your patience and support while we carry out this important change to improve our GP IT systems for the future.