In a landmark move to modernise general practice, NHS England has approved the first new core GP IT system in 25 years, marking a major step forward in digital healthcare transformation.
The new system, developed by Medicus Health, is the first to be fully assured under the NHS Tech Innovation Framework and is already live in four early-adopting practices, serving over 42,000 patients. It is expected to significantly reduce admin time, improve integration with other care settings, and enhance patient care delivery.
Until now, GP practices in England have had limited choice, relying on just two main IT suppliers. The introduction of Medicus Health’s cloud-based platform opens the door to greater competition and innovation, with more suppliers expected to be approved by April 2026.
The system supports:
- Integration with care homes, vaccination centres, and other services
- Use across multiple devices, including tablets, enabling neighbourhood care
- Seamless connection with 24 national NHS services, including the NHS App, Electronic Prescription Service, and e-Referral Service
NHS National Director of Primary Care and Community Services, Dr Amanda Doyle, said:
“This new generation of systems is the first shake-up of the GP IT market we have seen in a quarter of a century, and this shift will help unlock more modern, joined-up care for patients, and help our staff to work better and smarter.
“It also shows our ongoing commitment to ensuring that the NHS has access to the highest quality digital tools to transform the experience of patients and staff.”
Medicus Health is the first to implement five new national open standards for information exchange, setting a benchmark for future systems. One of the first adopters, Wilmslow Health Centre in Cheshire, is already using the platform to serve over 16,000 patients.
More than 25 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are exploring adoption, with interest growing nationwide.
NHS leaders have hailed the move as a “shake-up of the GP IT market”, designed to boost productivity, reduce admin burdens, and support more joined-up, patient-centred care.
Image credit: iStock
