Hypertension Case Finding Service (HCF)

EMIS Referral button launched for GPs using the EMIS system

The Community Pharmacy Provider Board (CPPB) has been working with the GM ICS to fund the EMIS referral button for the HCF to community pharmacy via PharmOutcomes.

GPs who use the EMIS system (over 80% of practices in GM) are now ready to start to sending referrals electronically to community pharmacy (please note that this is optional for General Practice to use). The GM primary care team will be sending communications to all General Practice teams to ensure they are aware of this new functionality and the purpose of the Hypertension Case Finding Service.

From October 2022, General Practice’s using the EMIS Prescribing system will be able to make referrals to a pharmacy that is signed up to deliver the service using patient access connect

For non-EMIS practices, NHSmail and other communication channels will be used to communicate with your pharmacy as there is no electronic solution available at this time. Where patient information is to be transferred to a pharmacy this needs to be via NHSmail as the route needs to be a secure IT referral mechanism.

Tool Kit

We encourage you to use this toolkit to have a conversation with your local practice(s) to raise awareness of the service and also to agree on how and when they intend to communicate referrals. 

 GM HCFS Toolkit

Given the current pressures, we encourage both sides to discuss and agree on potential numbers in advance so that workload can be planned and take into account workforce challenges.

Hypertension Case Finding Webinar

A recording of our “Hypertension Case Finding (HCF): Working with General Practice in Greater Manchester” webinar is now available to view on our youtube channel.

The webinar covers key information:

  1. A brief service overview

  2. The Greater Manchester HCF Pathway

  3. Collaboration with General Practice and how to make the service a success for your pharmacy

  4. PharmOutcomes and EMIS referrals

Registering to provide the Hypertension Case Finding Service

If you are yet to register to deliver the Hypertension Case Finding Service and wish to do so further information can be found on the PSNC website. Registration for the service is via MYS, please note you must be ‘service ready’ and have all equipment in place before completing your registration on MYS.