GP practices upgrade digital system starting January 23 Lanarkshire

GP surgeries in Cambuslang and Rutherglen are upgrading to a state-of-the-art computer system to improve patient care and streamline primary care services.

The rollout will begin on January 23, 2026, at Stonelaw Medical Practice in Rutherglen and continue until approximately June 2026.

The system is already in place in most Lanarkshire practices and is designed to boost efficiency, enhance the patient experience and support better integration with other NHS services.

Jo Anne McCormack, digital project manager at NHS Lanarkshire, said: “This new GP system represents a significant step forward in how practices can deliver care.

“It will make it easier for clinicians to access up-to-date information, improve the flow of data across NHS services and ultimately enhance the patient experience.

“We appreciate the patience of local communities as practices undertake this important upgrade.”

Each GP practice will notify patients directly about the specific dates of their transition.

During the switchover, which is expected to take three to five working days per practice, access to electronic medical records will be limited and GP appointments will be available for urgent issues only.

Telephone lines will remain operational throughout the transition so that patients can still contact their surgery for medical advice.

However, online ordering of repeat prescriptions will be temporarily unavailable during the system change.

Once the upgrade is complete, patients will be introduced to a new process for ordering medication online.

Routine reviews for long-term conditions will also be paused during the transition.

Practice nurse appointments will go ahead as planned, as these can be transferred into the new system ahead of time.

Christina McCutcheon, practice manager at Stonelaw Practice, said: “While there will be a short period of reduced access during the transition, our teams are working hard to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

“In the long term, this system will help us provide safer, more efficient care and streamline our daily processes.

“Patients are encouraged to support the transition by ordering prescriptions early and considering whether their concerns require urgent GP attention during their practice’s transition week.

“We would like to thank our patients for their understanding and support.”

Patients are reminded to seek the most appropriate care for their needs during the transition period.

For non-life-threatening issues that might otherwise lead to an A&E visit, patients can call NHS 24 on 111.

Pharmacies can also treat many common winter illnesses, including coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections, tummy bugs and skin conditions, without the need for an appointment.

Cambuslang and Rutherglen GP practices say they remain committed to providing high-quality, accessible care during the upgrade and believe the new system will bring long-term benefits to patients.

Patients who have questions or need further information about the transition are advised to contact their GP practice directly.