Disruption expected to GP switchboards across Derry

The HSC has announced that there will be significant disruption to their clinical IT systems over the next 18 months. From March 25, 116 GP practices across Northern Ireland will begin the process of switching clinical IT systems as a result of their previous IT provider going into administration.

Systems in Derry affected will include Oakleaf Medical Practice, Eglinton Medical Practice, Northside Medical Practice, Claudy Health Centre, Garvagh Medical Centre, Glendermott Medical, Park Medical, Riverside Medical Coleraine, Maghera Medical Centre, Portstewart Medical Centre, and Clarendon Street Surgery.

The project team aims to switch two practices per week over the next 18 months to the new system with completion planned for June 2026.

The switch-over takes a number of days to complete and will commence three working days prior to the date below.

Patients will notice some disruption to services such as appointments and prescriptions. Patients who order repeat prescriptions online will have to re-register for this service after the changeover.

The impact on services is expected to last several weeks, as practice staff undergo training and familiarity with the new system.

GP Practices’ will engage with their patients and stakeholders during the switch-over period.

For full list of dates on when systems will be affected see here: bit.ly/4ixMPSa