EMIS / Vision Migration – Information for Patients
Changes to Practice Clinical Computer System
Kenmure Medical Practice would like to inform patients that we are required to move to a new clinical computer system as part of a Scottish Government-mandated national programme.
The migration to the new system will take place on 29 and 30 September 2026.
We believe it is important to be open and honest with patients about this change. Across Scottish general practice, it has been widely acknowledged that the replacement system represents a step backwards in terms of efficiency and functionality when compared with the system currently used by many practices. As a result, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on patient services, administrative workload and practice capacity.
Kenmure Medical Practice has actively opposed this change and has done everything within its power to avoid being moved to a less efficient system. We recognise the impact this transition may have on patients and staff and have therefore raised our concerns with the Local Medical Committee (LMC), the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), and our local elected representatives, including our local MP.
Despite these representations, the migration will proceed. The decision to implement the new system is a national one and is outside the control of individual GP practices.
Whilst we have no choice in the matter, we remain fully committed to providing the best possible care for our patients. Our focus is now on ensuring the transition is managed safely and effectively and that we make the best possible use of the system we are being required to adopt.
---
What This Means for Patients
To prepare for the migration, some services will be affected from 24 September 2026.
Patients may experience delays to some routine services before, during and after the migration period. Access to our current clinical system will become increasingly restricted in the days leading up to migration to allow the safe transfer of patient records and data.
During the migration on 29 and 30 September, the practice will be unable to provide many routine services and will operate a very limited urgent-care-only service to allow the safe transfer of patient records and clinical information.
Patients may notice:
· Longer waiting times for administrative requests
· Delays in processing routine paperwork and referrals
· Changes to prescription ordering and processing arrangements
· Temporary disruption to some online services
· Reduced availability of routine appointments and services
In addition, we anticipate a period of reduced practice capacity for approximately four weeks following the migration while staff adapt to the new system and new ways of working. However, it is widely recognised across primary care that, even with comprehensive training and full user familiarity, the functionality and workflow limitations of the replacement system mean that many routine clinical and administrative tasks take longer to complete than they do within our current system. As such, while some productivity is expected to recover following the initial transition period, a longer-term reduction in operational efficiency should be anticipated. It is unlikely that the practice will be able to maintain the current pace of activity and throughput achieved using our existing system, and a sustained impact on capacity is therefore expected as a direct consequence of the system change.
As with any major system change, there may be unforeseen challenges during the early stages of implementation. We will work hard to minimise disruption and maintain safe and effective patient care throughout.
---
What We Are Doing
The practice is investing significant time, effort and resources to make this transition as smooth as possible.
This includes:
· Extensive staff training before the migration
· Additional training sessions outside normal working hours
· Additional staffing and support during the transition period
· Detailed preparation and testing prior to migration
· Ongoing monitoring of the impact on patient services
· Regular communications and updates to patients
Our team is committed to learning the new system as quickly as possible and using it as efficiently and effectively as we can.
---
How You Can Help
We kindly ask patients for their patience and understanding during this period.
Our staff will be working exceptionally hard to continue delivering safe, high-quality care whilst adapting to a system that has been mandated nationally. We appreciate that this change may cause frustration and inconvenience for both patients and staff, and we will do everything possible to reduce its impact.
To help us manage the transition safely, please order any repeat medication you are likely to need in advance of the migration period. During the system change, we will have limited access to clinical systems and will be unable to process routine repeat prescription requests. If you require medication during this time and have run out, please contact your local community pharmacy to obtain an emergency supply. Under NHS Scotland's unscheduled care arrangements, pharmacists can provide up to one cycle of your regular medication.
Regular updates will be provided regarding prescription ordering arrangements, appointment booking, online services and any temporary changes to service delivery.
Thank you for your support, patience and understanding as we make this important transition. Our priority remains the delivery of safe, effective care for all our patients.
---
Raising Concerns
Patients who wish to express their views regarding the national programme to replace GP clinical systems may wish to contact their elected representatives, including the local MP for Bishopbriggs.
As a practice, Kenmure Medical Practice has already raised concerns through the appropriate channels, including the LMC, HSCP and local elected representatives.
---
Key Dates
Date Activity
11 September
2026 Important patient communication issued regarding prescription ordering arrangements and preparations for the system migration.
24 September
2026 Access to our current clinical system becomes restricted. The practice will focus on urgent clinical care only while final migration preparations take place. Some routine services may be delayed or temporarily unavailable.
29 - 30 September
2026 Clinical computer system migration takes place. During these two days, the practice will operate a very limited urgent-care-only service to allow the safe transfer of patient records and clinical information.
October 2026
Reduced practice capacity for approximately four weeks while staff adapt to the new system and new ways of working.
Ongoing: Regular patient updates regarding prescriptions, appointments, online services and other service changes.
---
Thank You
We would like to thank all patients for their patience, understanding and support during this challenging period.
While this change is not one the practice has chosen, we are committed to doing everything possible to ensure that the transition is managed safely and that any disruption is kept to a minimum. We are investing significant time and resources in staff training and additional support to help us adapt as quickly as possible.
The practices priority, as always, is providing safe, effective and high-quality care for our patients, and we appreciate your understanding while we navigate this challenging transition.
Kenmure Medical Practice