Doune Health Centre is changing its clinical IT system from EMIS PCS to Vision. This is a national programme that affects every GP practice in Scotland.
What is Vision?
Vision is a clinical records system that securely records and manages patient healthcare information.
Why are you changing system?
Doune Health Cente is 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 15th September to Monday 21st September when we will 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 it reaches us by 12pm on Monday 14th September. We will begin acccepting prescription requests from Monday 28th September.
Will I still be able to book ROUTINE appointments?
We will continue to offer routine appointments as normal up to and including Monday 14th September.
Between 15th September and 28th September (inclusive) we will have significantly reduced capacity while the system change is taking place and will not be able to offer routine appointments.
Routine appointments will resume from Monday 28th September, we will only be able to book routine appointments 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 15th Septmber and 28th September only urgent on-the-day appointments will be available. If you require urgent medical assistance during this time please contact the practice directly.
Please only contact the surgery during this period if your medical condition cannot wait until after 28th September.
Will online services be affected?
Yes. EMIS PCS uses an online system called "Patient Access" which will not be available from the 14th September.
Exsisting users will be emailled after the migration to register for the Vision Service "Patient Services"
New users can contact the surgery after migration to request access.
Will there be delays with paperwork and administrative requests?
During the migration and for some time after, there will be delays in processing non-urgent paperwork, reports, forms and other administrative requests while the staff learn to work within the new system.
When will we be running normally again?
Our Go live date is Monday 21st September, and routine services will BEGIN to return from this date.
As with all major IT system change, there may be some initial teething problems while staff become familiar with teh new system. NHS Forth Valley advises that practices may continue to experience some challenges for a period after implementation as teams adapt to new processes.
We ask for patience and understanding during this time, and we will do everything possible to minimise disruption and continue to provide safe care.
What is NOT changing?
- You will remain registered with Doune Health Centre
- 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.
