We're trying to break down the IT barriers

Following your special issue on IT and information governance (pulsetoday.co.uk/guestedbraunold) readers may be interested to know that the UK's two biggest suppliers of software for GPs – EMIS and INPS – have formed a joint venture company to help break down the barriers to records access.

We have set up a medical interoperability gateway (MIG) that allows GP-held records to be shared in real-time - securely and appropriately - with a wide range of other healthcare professionals.

The gateway, which will seamlessly connect different healthcare systems - whether in primary or secondary care - has been driven by demand from the NHS to move to a ‘connect all' ethos.

It will support the move towards more community-based services and opens up opportunities for forward-thinking GPs to develop new services and partnerships, for the ultimate benefit of their patients.

Dr Shaun O'Hanlon, Clinical design director, EMIS

Dr Mike Robinson, clinical director, INPS