GP Connect (Patient Facing) Prescriptions

This guidance is under active development by NHS Digital and content may be added or updated on a regular basis.

Semantic versioning

Given a version number MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH, increment the:

  • MAJOR version when you make incompatible changes
  • MINOR version when you add functionality in a backwards-compatible manner
  • PATCH version when you make backwards-compatible bug fixes

Additional labels for pre-release and build metadata are available as extensions to the MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH format.

Pre-release labels

These labels will be taken from the GDS development process stages, and will be one of:

  • Discovery: A Feasibility study. A 'No code' development. Designed to find out what users are trying to achieve, any constraints, improvement opportunities.

  • Alpha: Develop prototypes and test with users. Could be minimal functionality and potentially prototypes for any options to determine which is best.

  • Private Beta: Working version and test with invited users. Handle real transactions and work at scale. ‘Invite only’ or regional. Must Pass assessment by business and technical SMEs.

  • Public Beta: All users can participate. Version unlikely to change substantially, but still needs further testing by a wider group of implementors before becoming live.

  • Live: The live phase is about supporting the service in a sustainable way, and continuing to iterate and make improvements.

  • Retiring: Implementors notified that the service is discontinued and not to be used for new developments.

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