This resource page update all practices who currently arrange for off-site notes storage, noting that no new applications can be made.
There are two separate issues:
Funding
The LMC has since April 2024 pressed NHS Sussex to provide both clarity in terms of the funding arrangements for off-site notes storage for 2025/26, and for an uplift in this payment to take into account the increased costs involved.
Whilst all colleagues will be aware of the on-going fiscal challenges facing ICBs, it is also the case, as the LMC consistently has noted, that practices entered into this arrangement in good faith and in anticipation of the NHS England digitalisation programme, which has since ceased nationally. In many cases, the conversion of practice infrastructure for additional clinical space, one of the intended benefits of this programme, means practices cannot take the records back.
NHS Sussex has now confirmed a continuation of the 2024/25 50% payment into 2025/26, with no uplift to cover the increased costs of storage to practices. This means less than 50% of the real cost to practices will be reimbursed in 2025/26. Practices do not need to claim, as the ICB is aware of all eligible practices and will reimburse directly.
The LMC believes a far more proactive approach is needed for 2026/27, with earlier advance notice of financial arrangements and an uplift in these.
Notes Storage: Buywise: CAS and Iron Mountain
Thank you to all colleagues who raised concerns about the planned arrangements between Buywise/CAS and Iron Mountain. These were escalated and I would like to thank Practice Manager colleagues, the Buywise/CAS Managerial Team and the DPO covering NHS Sussex, Laura Taw, for their hard work in expeditiously developing DPIA and DPA documentation that has allowed the scheduled transfer of records to the Iron Mountain storage facility in Belvedere, Kent, to continue. This can now occur in a way that the DPO confirms satisfies the Data Controller responsibilities held by GP practices.
A series of FAQs have been circulated to practices which should answer any queries, but colleagues can also email [[email protected]] and [[email protected]] for further information.
The LMC hopes this transfer process will now run smoothly and is scheduled to be completed by the end of May.