Listed healthtech business selected to provide its services to GPs across England

Leeds-headquartered healthtech and software business EMIS Group has secured a place on the new NHS GP IT Futures framework, to supply IT systems and services to the GP market in England.

The framework will start on 1 January 2020 and, subject to a break option after the first year, should run until 31 March 2023. It will govern the provision of the majority of EMIS Group’s clinical IT system-related services to GPs in England.

It replaces GP Systems of Choice (GPSoC), the current contractual arrangement. All suppliers appointed to the new framework will require separate approval for their products and services to be placed on the Digital Buying Catalogue. This is a detailed process to ensure individual products and GP systems meet strict clinical safety and operational requirements. EMIS Group is at an advanced stage of this approval process.

Responding to the framework appointment, EMIS Group’s Board stated: “The Board views this award of a place on the Framework to EMIS Health as a positive development for the Group.

“Subject to catalogue approval, the Group expects it to result in broadly consistent payments for equivalent product capabilities, in line with management’s expectations.

“Payment for the majority of services under GP IT Futures will be according to the number of patients covered, rather than the number of practices served, as is currently the case under GPSoC.”

Andy Thorburn, chief executive officer of EMIS Group, said: “We are pleased to have been awarded a place on the new GP IT Futures framework.

“We are now focused on completing the catalogue approval process, which should allow EMIS Health to continue providing joined-up technology to the NHS market for years to come, while positioning the Group positively for the future with potential growth opportunities for both EMIS Web and the broader EMIS Group portfolio.”