Open source EPR and PAS support now available over two major government frameworks
IMS MAXIMS open source support services listed on new G-Cloud 6 and NHS SBS frameworks
NHS organisations can save time and money when procuring a range of implementation and support services for open source electronic patient record (EPR) and patient administration system (PAS) software as IMS MAXIMS announced its place on two major procurement frameworks.
IMS MAXIMS has been appointed as a supplier on the recently-launched £1.25billion NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) framework and the UK Government’s new G-Cloud 6 marketplace.
Both initiatives allow public organisations such as NHS trusts to avoid a full OJEU procurement, a process that consumes significant resources for purchasers.
The framework has brought together a combination of suppliers who are in the best position to help providers reap the benefits of clinical information systems that can drive forward improvements in patient care
Digital services can be procured ‘off the shelf’, avoiding lock-in to expensive contracts with single suppliers, and encouraging cost-effective, innovative solutions.
NHS trusts can now use either framework to purchase support for openMAXIMS, the free open source code released by IMS MAXIMS last year.
openMAXIMS has been developed over nearly three decades alongside clinicians and includes PAS, EPR and clinical modules.It is available for NHS trusts to download via the IMS MAXIMS website.
Leesa Ewing, business development director at IMS MAXIMS, said: “NHS trusts have long endured lengthy, time-consuming, resource-intensive procurements in order to access software, implementation and support services that help them improve the delivery of patient care. These frameworks provide an option for trusts to simplify current procurement processes and work towards the Government’s key healthcare targets, such as health secretary Jeremy Hunt’s 2018 paperless ambition.”
Under the G-Cloud 6 framework, NHS organisations can access a range of professional services such as benefits realisation, configuration, data migration, project management, testing, training and implementation, all listed within the Specialist Cloud Services category.
“G-Cloud brings a step change in the way the Government buys IT,” said Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office. “It’s quicker, cheaper and more competitive, open to a wider range of companies, including a majority of SMEs, and offers more choice and innovation.”
The NHS SBS framework, from which NHS organisations can select services worth up to £1.25billion, has confirmed IMS MAXIMS as a supplier under three lots: Core Clinical System Requirements applicable to all NHS Services, Integrated Emergency Care System Provision, and Theatre System Provision.
NHS SBS director of procurement, Peter Akid, said: "The framework has brought together a combination of suppliers who are in the best position to help providers reap the benefits of clinical information systems that can drive forward improvements in patient care."
There is a clear demand for open source, with healthcare providers driving towards greater software flexibility and less one-size-fits-all pricing agreements
Through the SBS, implementation and support services for IMS MAXIMS’ open source software can be procured via mini competitions where requirements are more specific than the terms laid out in the framework agreement.
Shane Tickell, chief executive of IMS MAXIMS, said: “These framework awards represent another significant step in our open source strategy. Making our code available to the NHS aimed to ultimately help implement more-tailored, efficient systems at a far greater pace and far lower cost.
“There is a clear demand for open source, with healthcare providers driving towards greater software flexibility and less one-size-fits-all pricing agreements. We believe that IT teams and healthcare professionals can enjoy the freedom to build on open source systems on a local level, safe in the knowledge they have the dedicated support of our experienced team if they need it. The frameworks help trusts access this support in an efficient process for all involved.”
