Connecting for Health can begin to connect electronic patient record systems for nearly half of GP practices in England to a central database called the Spine after getting the software approved.

The EMIS LV software is used by about 45 per cent of GP practices in England and the Summary Care Record (SCR) implementation team will now begin working to connect them to the Spine where care records are stored.

James Hawkins, the SCR programme director, said: "This milestone provides a catalyst for a significant shift in pace and momentum in the roll out of SCR nationally for those NHS Trusts implementing SCRs through EMIS LV. The news is also good for patients. It has been a long time coming but we can get on with the job of rolling out."

The first successful care records at an EMIS practice were uploaded earlier this summer at West Heath Surgery in South Birmingham.

The first three Primary Care Trusts that will go live with EMIS LV will be South Birmingham, Dorset and Somerset.

ISoft's Synergy system and TPP's SystmOne have also received full rollout approval and INPS's Vision system has achieved limited rollout approval.

SCR clinical director Gillian Braunold said: "I am delighted that EMIS LV is now available to be implemented nationally. This will enable proper planning for SCR rollout as we now are technically able to create an SCR for the majority of the population."

The SCR part of the £12.7bn National Programme is some four years behind schedule.