Important Update: We’re Changing Our Clinical System
We’d like to let our patients know that we’ll soon be switching from our current clinical system, Vision, to a new one called EMIS. This change is part of a wider rollout happening across Northern Ireland – around two-thirds of GP practices are already using EMIS, and the rest, like us, are now in the process of switching over.
What This Means for You
Quick Summary of Key Dates & Actions
➡ Order prescriptions: By 23rd September
➡ System downtime: 25th–30th September
➡ Re-register online: From 1st October
➡ Book vaccines: If eligible, book now
As we make this change, there will be some temporary and unavoidable disruption to our services. This is what to expect.
- There will be a few days when we have limited or no access to our computer systems - Thursday 25th September to Tuesday 30th September 2025.
- During this short time, we won’t be offering routine appointments or care, but we will still have some limited availablity for urgent medical issues.
Prescription planning
- Routine prescriptions won’t be processed during this period, as we’ll have limited or no access to our systems between Thursday 25th and Tuesday 30th September 2025. If you think you will be needing your prescription during this period, or shortly afterwards, please:
- Order your repeat prescriptions by Monday 23rd September
- Avoid contacting us during the disruption period unless essential
- Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply service remains an option in emergency situations where you may be out of medication. Please be advised there is certain criteria that must be met to be eligible to use this service.
- Requests for regular medication may be referred to your pharmacy to avail of the pharmacy emergency supply scheme.
What about appointments after the 30th September?
- In the period following our go-live date, staff will be undergoing further training and familiarisation, but appointments will be available. Initially these will be primarily “on-the-day-urgent” appointments, but will be phasing in more “routine appointments” over the next week or two, as we get up to speed with our new system.
Online Services update
Many of you currently use Patient Services for booking appointments and ordering prescriptions online.
- After 1st October, you'll need to register for our new online system, Patient Access.
Look out for an email with your registration details. Check your spam folder too!
A high level of adoption of Online Services offers many advantages to both you, as a patient, and to the practice, as it takes pressure off our telephone lines and helps us work more efficiently.
Flu & COVID Vaccination Appointments are coming soon
Appointments are now open for eligible patients - to help us manage a smooth IT migration process, given that clinics begin shortly afterwards, we are encouraging eligible patients to book early.
- If eligible, Book online if you can, or call 02890 325679
- COVID boosters now only available to over 75s and the severely immunosuppressed
- It won't be possible to book appointments during the period of downtime, so please book your appointments now; this will also help reduce telephone call volumes around the time of the IT migration.
- Not sure if you are eligible? Please visit https://www.kensingtonmedicalcentre.co.uk/seasonal-vaccinations
New Telephone System Coming Soon
To help reduce waiting times and improve service, we’re introducing:
- Voicemail option for prescription requests
- Call-back requests – no need to wait in a queue
- More lines to reduce engaged tones
Helping you access the right care
Please explore the following services before calling the GP:
Stay Informed
We’ll share more details through our newsletters, website, Instagram, and other channels as the change approaches. Please keep an eye out for these!
We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
