Have you ever used the new helix health computer system? Is it easy enough to pick up and is it similar to the old Qicscript DOS? I'm just a bit wary in case someone asks me to do a locum and I have to learn "on the job".
Apart from the 2 Mclernons systems, Qicscript dos and the new helix system, are there any other systems you have come across?
Yes I have used the new Helix system a few times. You'll be pleased to hear it is almost EXACTLY the same as the systems solutions dos version. Only difference is it's a bit more colourful and vista-ish. Exit by clicking on a door icon etc.
I have seen the new McLernon's touch screen version, but didn't use it much, as had two dispensers that day, and thought it best they operated the computer to minimise any damage I might do. Looks straightforward though..if you can call McLernon's straightforward!
I have encountered one other system..only seen it twice, but unfortunately can't remember it's name. Suffice to say it was a nightmare to use..it's an old "constantly-online" program. For the few days I was there, we had to call the helpline four times, as the order would not transmit properly. Thankfully the shop closed for lunch, so the back up guy could perform remote repairs. I will find out the name of it and let you know..it's not a nice thing to walk into on a Monday morning!
Oh good--the new Helix doesn't sound too bad then ! :-)
McLernons are OK, but are a pain in the neck if you have to process more than one scheme on a script! You have to do your (for example) DPSs first, print the receipts, then go back in and do LTI afterwards. I never bother touching the touchscreen -- I'm too old for that!--Easier to use the mouse or the alt key.
Know what you mean re McLernon's..Have you come across a problem with Systems dos printing weird amounts payable on DPS receipts? I think it has something to do with pressing "escape" instead of "enter" when prompted to print receipts. The system seems to include monies from previous months it thinks is still owing...strange one
The most annoying thing for me is McLernon's is a "forward" system (enter to proceed), whereas Systems is a "backward" system (escape to proceed). Otherwise, I'm as happy as a pig in guinness!
I think I know what you mean about weird amounts payable--I have a tendency to check the price on the receipt and write it on the label or circle price on label, because I find that if you have to reprint something, the label comes up as DPS payable = zero. Strange....
I've just remembered the name of that other system..."Prometheus". I tried googling it, and only got a small software company in Phoenix, Arizona!..Have we taken the American links a bit too far? In any case, it appears to be a bit of a dinosaur, and not many businesses appear to use it.
Haven't heard of that one ! Hopefully if it's a dinosaur, no-one will have it any more !?!
What percent of shops do you reckon are still on manual claims these days, by the way? A few?
On another note, a few years ago, I used to hear of Irish locums getting put up in reasonably nice hotels to do a week or two covering someone's holiday--have you heard of that happening much now? I could do with a working holiday in Ballsbridge :-)
Re manual claims, I only know of one that still does it, and they would never trust a locum to submit it .
McSweeney group have always looked after their locums well regarding accommodation, expenses etc. They recently sold a few shops, however (BEFORE the recession hit). Not sure how they are fixed now..maybe worth a try? They have 2 shops that I know of in Donnybrook (D4) and others in Howth and Harold's Cross in Dublin...others throughout Ireland:
Hey lamzee..sorry for delay in replying..been a bit busy lately..
Never worked with Boots or Unicare, and hopefully never will. Boots seem to sense I don't like them (they have done since 1986)..probably because I laughed at one of their managers once for wearing a white coat over a shirt, tie, V-neck sweater AND suit!!.. and whilst I have done some Lloyds work in the UK, I've never worked in a Unicare shop. I have been approached by them though..it put me off when the locum co-ordinator told me she didn't know what 'self-employed' meant.
I have tried to avoid working in multiples as a locum since they reared their heads in Ireland. I don't want to help fuel their fire. I believe that they are still just testing the water here, and could be gone just as quickly as they arrived. From what I've seen they rely much more on their 3 for 2 OTC deals than they do on prescription trade anyway. They have tried to launch in Ireland based on their UK business model, and are rapidly discovering that the Irish stick with their own a lot more than they anticipated.
My opinion is that they'll be out of here in the next couple of years, closely behind our eastern-european friends who are leaving in their droves already, chasing the promise of €2 an hour with Michael Dell. Let the new day dawn....ie. won't be long until we're back to the way it was!
Fleeg.
Last edited by Fleegle; 23rd, February 2009 at 08:56 PM.
King Amongst Members
In any case, it appears to be a bit of a dinosaur, and not many businesses appear to use it.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote