Fax machine usage in primary care and other services during Covid-19
A letter from NHS England, sent on 27 March, said –
The GP contract 2019-24 requires GP practices to stop all use of fax machines for NHS business.
The vast majority have already converted to secure email and direct digital communications.
Providers such as pharmacies and care homes that have not yet implemented this need to set up a secure email address urgently.
If there is no other means by which to transfer information to support clinical delivery, GP practices may temporarily use fax machines as a communication means of last resort.
Source: NHS England, Preparedness update letter for general practice: 27 March 2020 [published 27 March]
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