Newsletter | December 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, we’re proud to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve achieved together. This year has been defined by collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to transforming care for the better. From advancing digital solutions that ease everyday pressures to unlocking data-driven insights that improve patient outcomes, these milestones are more than technical achievements — they represent meaningful change for people and communities. Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s a look at some of the highlights that shaped 2025 and the opportunities ahead.

Reflecting on 2025: EMIS-X is smarter, faster, more connected

This year, we’ve introduced new features and enhancements to EMIS-X® — our next-generation clinical system built on cloud technology. Designed to make life easier for you and your team, EMIS-X gives you the flexibility to work from anywhere, improves collaboration across your practice, and saves time during patient consultations. Here are some of the key highlights:

Work anywhere with browser-based access

Skip heavy installs and log in from any web browser. This means faster updates, lower IT overhead and the flexibility to keep patient data and appointments visible — even during business continuity scenarios.

Collaborate better with bigger group chats

Instant messenger now supports up to 200 participants in a single group chat — that’s 150% more than before, giving you the ability to include the whole team in one conversation for quicker decisions and better coordination. We’ve also introduced a cleaner interface with repositioned buttons, so there’s less clicking and faster communication — meaning more time for patient care.

Handle documents with ease

Rotate files for perfect viewing and download them straight to your desktop. Whether it’s clinical notes or patient letters, these changes save time, reduce frustration and help speed up your patient consultations.

We’re building on these strong foundations with even more exciting developments coming next year — including full read-write access directly in your browser.

To find out more about these features, or to get started on your journey with EMIS-X, click here to head to Optum Help Centre.

PharmOutcomes: Digital Gateway

This year saw the successful rollout of Digital Gateway, the latest feature for PharmOutcomes®. Designed to streamline Pharmacy First consultations, it allows patients to self-triage by simply scanning a QR code and completing a quick screening questionnaire. This information then pre-populates consultation templates, streamlining workflows and saving you valuable time.

Over 4,000 pharmacies have now adopted Digital Gateway to simplify their Pharmacy First consultations. The impact has been incredible — with one pharmacy cutting consultation times by half.

Click here to read the case study.

Unlocking integrated care: Driving better outcomes with PHM

Data-driven Population Health Management (PHM) is key to delivering the NHS’s vision of integrated neighbourhood care and community-based teams.

This article explores practical insights and resources to help you make it happen:

Proactive care through data – Use analytics to identify at-risk individuals and prioritise prevention
Neighbourhood-level collaboration – Shared insights empower integrated teams to work seamlessly
Community-driven innovation – Tackle challenges like fuel poverty and falls to improve health outcomes
Next steps for success – Flexible funding, robust evaluation and strong partnerships built on trust are essential

Click here to read the full article.

Supporting the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) across Wales

EPS is now live across Wales, and we’ve been working closely with pharmacies to make the transition as smooth as possible — through training, integration support and practical resources.

Is your pharmacy preparing for EPS?

Click here for helpful resources and guides to help get your pharmacy ready for implementation.

We introduced the next evolution of ScriptCheck

Last year, we launched ScriptCheck®, a feature of ProScript Connect® designed to make dispensing repeat medications quicker and easier.

In 2025 we listened to your feedback and launched a new single-patient workflow that’s intuitive, requires no extra workspace and fits seamlessly into your existing process. By streamlining daily dispensing, ScriptCheck helps your pharmacy run more efficiently -freeing pharmacists to focus their time where it matters most.

And as we look ahead to 2026, our focus remains clear: driving interoperability, improving dispensing workflows and empowering your pharmacy teams with the tools they need to deliver exceptional care. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

From hospital-to-home: reflecting upon the success of virtual wards at East Cheshire NHS Trust

Virtual wards are transforming care delivery — enabling patients to receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their own homes, supported by clinical teams and remote monitoring. East Cheshire NHS Trust has shown what’s possible with this innovative approach. They’re freeing up acute beds, reducing unnecessary admissions, and tackling the elective care backlog while giving patients a better recovery experience.

Digital tools like EMIS Web Bed Management have played a key role, allowing teams to track patients seamlessly across settings, adjust care and improve outcomes.

“Patients recover faster, maintain their independence, and receive the care they need in a familiar environment." — Andrea Haydon, Community Operational Manager at East Cheshire NHS Trust

Read the full case study here.

Celebrating success in Wales: Over 100 migrations to EMIS Web

This year, we’ve supported more than 100 successful migrations to EMIS Web across Wales, helping practices deliver better, more connected care.

Practices are already seeing the benefits:

Gareth Thomas, Business Manager, West Quay Medical Centre, has shared how moving to EMIS Web was seamless, enabling improved patient outcomes and streamlined workflows. Click here to read their story.
Sarah Thomas, Practice Manager, Nantymoel Surgery, highlights how the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) integration is saving valuable time for clinicians and staff. Click here to read their story.

Reflecting on digital transformation in medicines management

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust’s journey to a fully digital medicines management solution is more than a technical upgrade. By replacing paper charts with integrated systems, the Trust has not only saved time and reduced errors but also shown how innovation can ease staff pressures and enhance patient safety. This case study is a reminder that true transformation happens when technology serves people, creating a more sustainable and compassionate healthcare environment.

“We’re less prone to making prescribing errors, which is key for patient safety.” — Kathy Cromwell, Advanced Pharmacist, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust

Click here to read the case study.

Fixing the prescribing loop

For years, community pharmacists and primary care prescribers have highlighted the need for live information on medicine shortages at the point of prescribing. Now, that need is being addressed.

Click here to read the blog by Ben Cole.