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GP Feedback and Alert System

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What is the new GP Feedback & Alert system

A new single route for GPs to raise concerns with providers using the GP Feedback & Alert form in EMIS. This means:

  • it is quick and easy to flag inappropriate requests or workload transfer
  • GPs receive feedback, tracking and reminders automatically
  • automatic escalation of unresolved feedback or alerts, with no need to chase.

From 9 March 2026, the GP Feedback & Alert form will replace all Quality Alerts and clinical emails to GP liaison.

When to use the new EMIS form

Use the form whenever you are raising a concern with a provider.

How to use the form

  • Open EMIS > Documents > NCL Global > GP Feedback & Alert form.
  • Complete the form (all sections marked *).
  • Choose the escalation level based on seriousness and risk (for more detail see Tips for completing the GP Feedback & Alert Form in EMIS document:)
    • feedback direct to service
    • GP alert 
    • patient safety event.
  • Save form into EMIS record and send as an attachment (NOT as a PDF) to 93capp.clinicalalerts@nhs.net 
  • You will receive automatic email confirmation and email outcome reminders.
  • There will be automatic escalation if no response; no chasing required.

For step-by-step guidance on completing the form, see Tips for completing the GP Feedback & Alert Form in EMIS document

Agreed response times

Feedback GP Alert Patient Safety Event
10 working days 10 working days 60 working days to investigate and ensure it doesn’t happen again and
any immediate action required by the service to ensure patient safety

 

How to choose the escalation level

Choosing the correct escalation level requires clinical judgement

  • Inappropriate or non-contractual requests (such as onward referral for related/urgent condition, transfer of care, no fit note)
  • Likely awareness / training issue
  • No immediate risk of harm

Examples

  • GP asked to follow up hospital-initiated test results > Feedback
  • Surgical team ordered liver USS as patient had raised LFTs during admission.  Request in D/C summary for GP to follow up results of scan and action if needed > Feedback

Consider GP Alert if:

  • Problem is recurring
  • Multiple patients affected
  • Issue occurring across multiple specialties
  • Risk of/actual low-level harm**

Examples

  • Incorrect result/report sent for wrong patient → GP Alert
  • Repeated failure to notify GP of patient deaths → GP Alert
  • GP asked to re-refer for an investigation after 2 years → GP Alert

**Refer to national definitions

Consider Patient safety event if:

  • Potential/actual moderate/severe harm**
  • A formal investigation is required
  • A delay or action has materially affected patient safety

Examples

  • GP asked to refer via urgent / suspected cancer pathway for problem identified in secondary care → Patient Safety Event 

**Refer to national definitions

What are the escalation pathways once the form is submitted?

For more information on what happens once you’ve submitted the form, see the Pathways for submitting alerts document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about consent, GMC numbers, visibility in NHS App or escalation process? Read the FAQs for General Practice.

Benefits of the GP Feedback & Alert System

  • Form includes patient information; no need for provider to request from GPs
  • Clear provider accountability with standardised response times and a clear process for responding to GPs
  • Supports learning and prevention of recurrence
  • Faster, safer clinical journeys
  • Better experience
  • Improved governance and early risk identification, supporting safer patient care.
  • More streamlined process for GP liaison teams, with easier tracking and escalation 
  • Access to real-time reports on all issues reported

If you have a questions or problems using the form, please email nclicb.gpfeedbacksupport@nhs.net.

Please note: This pathway has been co-designed with representatives from providers, the ICB Quality & Clinical Standards team, trust risk & patient safety leads, the LMC and GPPA.


Review date: Friday, 26 February 2027