GP Telephony Systems - FOI Response Register

1. Does NHS Shetland require all GP practices operating in NHS premises to use health board telephony systems?

Yes

2. Are GP practices permitted to procure other technologies as an alternative to health board telephony systems?

Yes.  However the board owns all GP premises, 90% of practices are board run, and all IT Infrastructure is provided by the board

3. With regard to the national BT switch from analogue to digital landlines, what efforts has the board made to ensure GP practices are aware that they do not require to install a new network and can use existing infrastructure to run cloud hosted telephony over?

GP practice telephony is provided and maintained by the board IT service

4. If GPs are not allowed to use the existing network to run voice over, can the health board provide a reason this cannot be done via VLANs or segregation on the network?

Not applicable

5. What guidance has been provided to GP practices to support them to facilitate the switch in the most cost-effective and efficient manner?

Not applicable

6. Does NHS Shetland permit the recording of telephone calls between GP and patient?

Yes

7. If no, what assessment has been carried out of the potential benefits and risks of recording telephone conversations between GPs and patients?

Not applicable

8. What consideration has the board given to breaking down NHS buildings and services invoices to show telephony costs, providing greater transparency for GP practices regarding their expenses?

GP practices are not charged for telephony services as they are provided by the board