The GM Care Record (GMCR) is a vital digital resource for the city region’s 2.8 million citizens, used to help improve health and care services and save lives. It brings together information from NHS organisations, local authorities and care providers and services across all 10 boroughs into one joined up record, so that information can be accessed by frontline health and care workers wherever you deliver care. It is one of the most widely used shared care records in England, and a critical digital asset supporting integrated care, innovation and service transformation across the city region.
More information can be found here Home – GM Care Record and The GM Care Record | Health Innovation Manchester
The new GMCR contract is due in 2028. An initial version of the system specification has been developed and are looking for market engagement. A key stakeholder group is being set up to gain their input into the project and to ensure the specification for the new Shared Care Record contract meets the required needs. For this, we are asking for representatives from adult social care – one from a Digital lead and one from an independent provider perspective.
There are 4 phases of this project: (though you may not be needed for all phases. The time commitment is explained in the green boxes below each phase.)
Phase 1 – The art of the possible (from end of September to end of year)
- Open discussions with suppliers, what is needed, update specification.
- There will likely be 5 – 7 supplier demonstrations, each lasting approx. 1 hour.
- These will be scheduled during October and November.
- Reps are welcome to attend all the sessions but recognise this may not be possible.
- Depending on what emerges from these sessions, there may be additional sessions to explore an area in more depth.
- In summary, commitment is likely to be approx. up to 1-2 hrs a week between now and the end of the year but will be based on your availability and what you can commit to.
Phase 2 – Evaluate submissions from potential suppliers (Spring – Summer 2027)
- Evaluate and score potential suppliers and their solutions.
- Reps who are part of the tighter group will need to commit sufficient time to be able to fully evaluate submissions.
- This will likely be 2-3 hrs a week over a couple of months between March – May 2027
Phase 3 – Playback findings with wider group (Spring – Summer 2027)
- Share findings and rational for decisions.
- Less intensive commitment needed for the wider group, probably a couple of hours a month.
Phase 4 – Clinical testing of the selected system (Summer 2027 onwards)
- Group to test new system meets the specification.
- Hard to predict this until preferred solution and development needed is known.
- Commitment will likely fluctuate. There will be times when commitment is needed to test specific items but will largely be light touch for individuals.
This is an excellent opportunity to be involved and speak for fellow providers and from a digital aspect. To be able to engage in 2-way conversations with suppliers to inform a specification, consider what’s possible and evaluate solutions, as well as testing the new system, rather than working through issues once it’s been procured.
If you are interested in being a digital or provider representative, please let us know as soon as possible at melissa.baker3@nhs.net
